Funds needed for Trinity’s Garden of Peace

IN JUNE 2003, a unique and significant facility was blessed and opened at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity by Bishop Calvin Bess — a Garden of Peace. Adjoining this setting devoted to the memory of departed ones, another sacred space — a Labyrinth — which offers a reflective journey.

The Garden is intended to engender a prayerful, reflective mood in respect of those we have lost but not forgotten. The Labyrinth, the first of its kind in our country can be found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. It consists of one winding path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends.

It is suggested that visitors walk it in three stages with an open mind and heart.

— Purgation (Releasing) — a letting go of the details of your life; an act of shedding thoughts and distractions.

— Illumination (Receiving) — when you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer.

— Union (Returning). As you leave, following the same path out of the centre as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world.

The path goes two ways. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let others step around you.

This very expensive project, which was built along international standards on the south eastern lawn of the Trinity Cathedral, has to be maintained. A fund raising effort, a grand bazaar, is planned for September 24 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Lions Cultural Centre. Children 12 years and under will pay one flat fee of $15 which entitles them to all rides and entertainment, such as, bouncy castle, face painting, chairplane rides and magic shows, all under careful supervision. Entrance for adults is $10. Lunch tickets for Chinese, Trini and Indian food cost $40 and tea and fashion $50.

Full sponsorship is being sought for the bazaar as money is badly needed for the Garden of Peace and Labyrinth. Persons interested in helping can contact the church office at 623-7271.