Labyrinth Walk in Montclair Provides A Spiritual Boost During Lent

Walking the labyrinth at the First Congregational Church (FCC) is a layered, sensory experience. Softly glowing candles encircle the path, artfully stained onto the gleaming wooden floor, and located at the altar of the impressive, Neo-Gothic style building.

You hear nothing but the hushed tones of sacred chant music playing in the background, and the gentle squeaking of cool wooden planks beneath your feet as you follow a path inside the sacred circle, in meditative prayer.

The church recently held the first of several Lenten labyrinth walks, featuring the exhilarating, melismatic chant music of the 12th century Christian mystic, Hildegard von Bingen.

“For Christians, Lent is a season of deep reflection, contemplation and renewing our commitment to following Jesus,” says Reverend Ann Ralosky of the FCC. “The labyrinth is a wonderful, meditative ‘walking prayer’ tool that can be part of our Lenten spiritual practice.”

The FCC’s labyrinth is not a maze, notes Reverand Ralosky. Rather, walkers follow a winding path from the entrance to the center of the circle, where they often pause for several minutes of reflection before taking the same path back out.

The minister encourages everyone, whether an FCC church member or not, to take part in the weekly labyrinth walk–either now or after Lenten season. “I’ve seen children dance it, one woman participated in a wheelchair, and people facing crises are drawn to the labyrinth to process what they’re going through,” says Reverend Ralosky. “There’s something about moving your body that frees the mind and spirit, and opens you up to the experience of transcendence.”

Labyrinth Walk

Where: First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair.

When: Each Wednesday, from 6-8 pm.

During Lent (from now through April 16th) the walk will feature the exhilarating sacred chant music of the 12th century Christian mystic, Hildegard von Bingen.

Free and open to the public.