Advent retreat features teaching, practice on St. Philip's Labyrinth | Arts & Culture

A meditation labyrinth is a powerful tool in helping to connect with the Divine. On December 1, St. Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Church will hold an Advent Retreat centered on St. Philip's labyrinth, entitled "To Walk a Sacred, Holy Path." Retreat leaders the Rev. N. Jean Rogers and Dr. Kevin Justus will offer an inspiring day of learning, practice, and reflection.

During the retreat, participants will discover the history and inspiration for labyrinths through two lively retreat talks by Kevin Justus. The morning talk is entitled "Soaring Heavenward—Understanding the Lost Language of the Gothic Architecture:  Chartres and the Creation of Heaven on Earth." This talk will trace the development of the Gothic style from the Abbey of Saint Denis to Chartres, seeking to apply discovies about these sacred environments to daily lives.  The afternoon talk, entitled "The Cathedral of Amiens, St. Philip's and the Continuity of the Christian Tradition:  Developing the liturgy of and the iconography for St. Philip's Labyrinth," will explore Amiens Cathedral and its unique history, from inception to completion — and its inspiration for the labyrinth at St. Philip's.

Following each of these talks, Jean Rogers will invite retreatants to discover how the labyrinth can help them rediscover the depth of their souls and offer methods for use while walking and praying the labyrinth.  Each participant will receive an Anglican Rosary, prayerfully created by a St. Philip's parishioner, with instruction for how to use the rosary for contemplative prayer. These sessions will be followed by time spent experiencing the beautiful St. Philip's labyrinth.

The experience of walking and praying the labyrinth is different for each because each person brings different experiences and needs to the labyrinth. Jean and Kevin will be available during the labyrinth practicum and throughout the day for individual consultation.

$25.00 retreat fee includes materials and lunch. Contact the Rev. Greg Foraker (greg.foraker@stphilipstucson.org) to register.

The retreat will be held in the Murphey Gallery at St. Philip’s. St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or under our new solar parking structure. The office phone number is 299-6421.