A taste of monastic contemplation in Leeds

The grounds of Kirkstall Abbey have become home to a meditative labyrinth allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of Cistercian monks.
Reverend Jude Smith, pioneer team vicar of the Abbeylands Team, in the new meditative labyrinth at Kirkstall Abbey.22nd March 2016. Picture : Jonathan GawthorpeReverend Jude Smith, pioneer team vicar of the Abbeylands Team, in the new meditative labyrinth at Kirkstall Abbey.22nd March 2016. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
Reverend Jude Smith, pioneer team vicar of the Abbeylands Team, in the new meditative labyrinth at Kirkstall Abbey.22nd March 2016. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

To celebrate Holy Week, the 12th Century abbey will be giving people the chance for some quiet reflection in the very same place where monks used to meditate hundreds of years ago. The labyrinth, which is open until March 27, will be made from twigs blown down by winter storms and will weave around in a circular route.

Reverend Jude Smith, pioneer team vicar of the Abbeylands Team, said: “For centuries, people of faith and people of none, have walked paths like this.”

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