Taize & Labryinth Prayer

The labyrinth is an ancient symbol found across many cultures and around the world.  We are all on the path, exactly where we need to be.  The labyrinth is a model of that path.

As a symbol, the labyrinth relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools, and are a part of the pilgrimage path to wholeness and holiness.  At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.

Our natural Prayer Labyrinth is located on the beautiful grounds of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston at Villa de Matel.  

A reservation is required to walk the labyrinth at the Villa. We are open from 9am-4pm, Mondays-Saturdays. Please call or email us with your request to walk our Labyrinth. Email: [email protected] or 713-928-6053, ext. 1228. 

Simply drive into the main gate at 6510 Lawndale, drive to the front of the Villa, sign in at the front desk to receive a visitor’s badge and parking permit, and proceed to the labyrinth located behind the Villa, adjacent to the convent cemetery. 

 

In partnership with Taize friends in Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word open their beautiful monastic Villa De Matel chapel to all who seek God for healing and reconciliation through Taize service twice a year.

Taizé is a meditative, contemplative, candle-lit, ecumenical prayer that derives its meditative character from the singing of the psalms, focusing on a single verse rather than the whole psalm.  

The service incorporates ample silence as well to give the opportunity to focus on what is within. The heart is the place from which good intentions can arise. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest, leaving to God what is beyond our reach and capacity.

For questions, please contact Sr. Kim Xuan Nguyen – [email protected]  or call her at (713) 928-6053.  You may also contact RUAH personnel through email at [email protected] or call extension 1228.