The Hands That Shaped the Path: An Interview Reflection
In the early days of Issue 03's theme development, we were drawn to the meditative Labyrinth at Glastonbury Abbey. Read further to see Brianna Bovill expand upon her shared experiences with those directly involved with building the Labyrinth: Brother James Crowley, a monk, and resident chef John Gauley.
Brianna Bovill is a writer, mother of cats and curious flower @missxlynne
(Check out her interview in print on page 23 of Issue 03)
Reflections from an Interview at Glastonbury Abbey
Anticipation and Arrival
Moving into this interview, I had a lot of anticipation about what my experience at the monastery would bring. I met with groundskeeper John Gauley and Brother James Crowley, two residents at Glastonbury Abbey who collaborated, praying over each stone to create the labyrinth at the abbey. Each man spoke reverently about his personal practices and experiences with the labyrinth, expressing a shared understanding of the need for prayer and meditation in a chaotic world.
A Quiet Room Behind the Chapel
Sitting in a room behind the chapel we connected on how the pair came to the Abbey. Together, we then entered the labyrinth. Brother James tenderly reflected on his childhood in the woods of Upper New York State, his early interest in the Catholic Church, and soul-searching that eventually brought him to the monastery. For him, the monastery is a place to grow closer to God through prayer and spiritual contemplation. For him, the labyrinth is a tool to open the direct line between him and God through meditation.
Designing and Building the Labyrinth
To construct the physical labyrinth they prayed over each individual stone before deciding whether it belonged in the labyrinth. The entrance was carefully aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice, and the final stone was placed on the winter solstice— marking a journey shaped by intention and alignment with nature’s rhythms. Each quadrant of the labyrinth is associated with a different animal, symbolizing a unique theme for contemplation as one moves through that section of the path.
John's Path to Purpose
John came to Glastonbury Abbey with the simple desire for short-term work in the kitchen, but during his time here, has found closeness with God through commune in nature and friendship with Brother James. In his youth, as a self-proclaimed “tree-hugging hippie,” John met fellow environmental activist Sister Dorothy Stang, a nun who was tragically murdered for her efforts to prevent deforestation in Brazil. It was John’s desire to honor her life and efforts that led to the creation of the labyrinth.
Brought together by their shared desire to create a sacred space for prayer and commune with God, these two men created the beautiful natural structure nestled behind the abbey today.
A Lasting Impact
After many hours of soulful conversation with John and Brother James, I left the abbey feeling that my time there had forever altered my path. I came there with one direction and left realizing I was on a much longer journey. Every time you think you are coming to the end of the labyrinth, there is a new turn.
The Mystery of the Journey
I remember when the interview was drawing to a close, John had said, “The gift is the love of the journey because it just does not stop.” That was the feature quote I chose for the article because it perfectly summed up what the labyrinth is to me — it's the mystery of the journey, the process of facing each new challenge and moving through it with prayer and spiritual contemplation stepping into the next plane of discovery.
Anyone can visit the Glastonbury Abbey Labyrinth at 16 Hull Street in Hingham, MA. During operating hours, park in the parking lot, head up the hill towards the tower, and you will find the labyrinth. There is also a gift shop where you can get a grounds map.
