A PLACE OF PEACE
As a Christian Community, the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia have a tradition of respecting the sacredness of the green space where they have lived and worked for more than a century. They have developed a vision to transform their grounds into a “Place of Peace.”
This vision includes the construction of an eleven-circuit Chartres labyrinth. It’s function is to aid those who are on the path towards a more balanced spiritual life. The plan for the labyrinth garden area also includes renovation of two abandoned grain silos that will stand as monuments to peace and allow visitors to feel deep, personal quiet within themselves. Leaving this area the visitor will be guided through the pine grove meditation garden to the fountain of peace garden. These features form an outdoor sanctuary or cathedral. Stations of the Cross will be placed along a meandering path through an aged cedar grove as a powerful way to contemplate the mystery of Jesus’ gift of Himself to us. A meditation garden and a resurrection garden will be built adjacent to the grove to enhance the experience of the Stations. A walkway along the creek leads to an ancient grotto and together with wildflower gardens will provide natural beauty to uplift the spirit. “Peace Poles” honoring the universality of humanity expressed in multiple languages will be strategically placed through-out the grounds to inform and direct the visitor.
The Sisters’ goal is to offer this prayerful, beautiful outdoor sanctuary to all people who seek a meaningful spiritual experience as a gesture of welcoming them in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality.
Much progress has been made to create the reality of The Place of Peace from our original vision. We invite you to see some of our progress online and visit us in person.
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