Gardens, Labyrinth & Sacred Grounds

A peaceful outdoor space for prayer, reflection, and quiet connection in Arlington, MA.

Get Involved

A Peaceful Outdoor Experience at Chapel of St. Anne

At the Episcopal Chapel of St. Anne, the experience of visiting extends beyond the chapel walls. The gardens, labyrinth, and Stations of the Cross are not simply decorative features — they are an intentional part of the spiritual environment, designed to invite reflection, prayer, and quiet connection.

These outdoor spaces offer a natural extension of the chapel itself, creating a setting where visitors can slow down, walk thoughtfully, and engage in moments of stillness. Whether you are attending a service or simply seeking a quiet place for reflection in Arlington, MA, the grounds provide a peaceful and welcoming space for all.

Beautiful Gardens for Reflection

Walk the Labyrinth

The labyrinth at Chapel of St. Anne offers a unique opportunity for walking meditation and reflection. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth follows a single, continuous path that leads inward and then back out again. There are no wrong turns — only a quiet journey taken one step at a time.

Visitors often walk the labyrinth as a way to slow their thoughts, reflect on a question or intention, or simply become more present in the moment. The steady rhythm of walking, combined with the peaceful setting, creates a calming and grounding experience.

For those seeking a deeper sense of stillness, the labyrinth provides a simple yet powerful way to engage both mind and body in reflection. Whether you walk it once or return regularly, it offers a meaningful way to pause, reset, and reconnect.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross at the Chapel of St. Anne offer a meaningful path for reflection and spiritual contemplation. Traditionally, the Stations represent key moments in the journey of Jesus leading up to the crucifixion, inviting visitors to move from one station to the next at their own pace.

Set throughout the chapel grounds, each station creates an opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider themes of compassion, perseverance, and hope. Some visitors engage with the Stations as a devotional practice, while others experience them as a quiet, thoughtful walk through moments of reflection.

Whether approached through faith or personal contemplation, the Stations of the Cross provide a powerful connection between movement, environment, and meaning — allowing visitors to engage both spiritually and emotionally in a peaceful outdoor setting.

  • Angel Garden

    The Guardian Angel Rock was unearthed in 1922 by Italian labourers who were helping to build the chapel using stones from the grounds. The garden gates were imported from Italy in the late 19th century.

  • Labyrinth

    An ancient embodied prayer practice, the labyrinth is anchored by the Corpus Christi altar.

  • Stations of the Cross

    Carved by Angelo Lualdi out of Linden Wood, the Stations of the Cross are prayed by many visitors throughout the year, and especially on Good Friday.

  • Mysteries of Joy

    Our newest garden, first planted in 2021, is named for the Mysteries of Joy, celebrating and praying through the Nativity stories. It is also an edible garden using plants native to the area.

FAQs

  • Yes. The gardens at Chapel of St. Anne are open to visitors who are looking for a peaceful place to walk, sit, and reflect. You do not need to attend a service to spend time on the grounds.

  • The labyrinth is a walking path designed for meditation and reflection. Unlike a maze, it has one continuous path that leads inward and back out. Visitors simply follow the path at their own pace, using the walk as a time for quiet thought, prayer, or mindfulness.

  • No. The gardens, labyrinth, and Stations of the Cross are open to people of all backgrounds. Whether you are visiting for spiritual reasons or simply seeking a quiet outdoor space, you are welcome.

  • The Stations of the Cross are a series of points that represent moments in the journey of Jesus leading up to the crucifixion. Visitors can walk from one station to the next, pausing for reflection along the way. Many people also experience the stations as a meaningful opportunity for quiet contemplation.

  • Yes. Many visitors come specifically because it is a quiet place for reflection in Arlington, MA. The gardens, labyrinth, and peaceful setting provide a calm environment for prayer, meditation, or simply stepping away from daily distractions.