April 11, 2017

By Sister Mary Kremer, OP 

Spring is here. Time for a walk outside. A perfect destination is the labyrinth in the northwest corner of campus, the circle in front of the grotto. Up close, the labyrinth simply looks like a ring of smooth stones.

The labyrinth is not something to be looked at like a piece of art work. It’s more like a soccer field, a dance floor, something to be walked upon. There is no right way to walk a labyrinth. You simply enter and follow the path. You will get more out of your walk if you focus on a purpose before you start, to invite calm into your life, to open yourself to life, to address a nagging question, to strengthen a feeling or attitude.

Our labyrinth was created two years ago, a gift of Dianne Costanzo, a 20-year seminar instructor, and Mary Komparda, a social worker at Loyola Medical Center. Ms. Costanzo told me that her experience at Fanjeaux was so transformative that she wanted to thank and honor Dominican University by providing the labyrinth as “a physical and permanent reminder to cultivate the inner life.”

In good weather, some faculty and staff members walk the labyrinth together on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. I like to walk the labyrinth because it connects me to the God within and the God who surrounds me. Some who walk with me shared their reasons for walking.

Sheila Bauer-Gatsos, Assistant Professor in English, said, “I walk because it gives me a deliberate chance to focus physically, mentally, and emotionally . . . I love the sense of being alone in my own experience while also in the company of friends.”

Claire Noonan, Vice President for Mission and Ministry said: “I enjoy walking the labyrinth because I find that the movement helps me to focus my prayer and create space and attention to meet the Spirit.” From the School of Business, Jim Miller, Assistant Professor wrote, “It’s an opportunity to think about life outside of work and to be with other people who are doing the same.” Peter Alonzi, Professor of Economics, walks “to open a wedge in the flow of daily busy-ness to be mindful of and thankful for the abundance of God’s creation and to ask for grace to radiate Caritas Veritas.

We welcome all faculty, staff, and students who would like to join us, as the marker at the door of the labyrinth reads: “This gift is waiting for your step.”

Sr. Mary Kremer, OP
Associate Professor Emeritus, Education