Labyrinth of Lights 2021

At All Souls this October 31st we will construct a Labyrinth of Lights in St Mary's Churchyard. It is a public way of inviting people to pray in a uniquely difficult year. 2021 like last year we may have lost loved ones in very difficult circumstances. A year which has been extremely difficult as we have all grieved the loss of our previous way of life.

What is a Labyrinth?

Labyrinths are a single circular path that people walk towards the centre and then return. As you walk you are invited to remember your loved ones and give thanks for them. The Labyrinth has been used by millions of people all over the world. They are found in the outdoors or on the floors of churches. The most famous one is in the Cathedral of Chartres in France.

Labyrinths are far more ancient than even Chartres Cathedral, the go back even to the dawn of humanity. They have been used by people to take time out and contemplate our lives in relation to God.

How to Pray the Labyrinth

You enter the labyrinth with a question or a thought and hold that thought as you walk to the centre. In Chartre they say it is like entering the womb again with your cares and concerns. Taking these concerns to the heart of all things, then as you return outwards you are reborn leaving your worries at the centre. There is something beyond words in such a way of praying, a way of meeting God and receiving that care beyond imagination.

Yate Parish Labyrinth of LIghts

Our Labyrinth will be built in St Mary's Churchyard and is marked out using lights. There are 50 lights which will be placed in the trees near the labyrinth. Each light can be dedicated to the memory of a loved one or a prayer intention you may have. If you fill in the form here we can attach a message or prayer to each light

It will show that even in the darkest time of the year light still shines. 2021 like last year has been a difficult year for all of us, walking the labyrinth can allow us to pray without words, walking with God and allowing Him to bless us.

Click on the picture to dedicate a light to your loved one

Hywel built a labyrinth in his last parish which they used from Nov till Jan each year. So in true Blue Peter style here is one I made earlier.

Labyrinth by Night

Labyrinth by Day