Sacred Spaces at IJC

Sacred Spaces at Ignatius Jesuit Centre

The Ignatius Jesuit Centre’s 600 acres of land have taken on a significance that few could have imagined when the Jesuits and Farm Community first began caring for it. Over time, many people have come to appreciate the lasting impact this land has had on their lives and work. For many, it is a sacred place that reflects the sacredness found throughout creation.

To express this connection, several features have been developed across the property—some natural and simple, others more formal in design. These “Sacred Spaces” can be found on the trail map.

A few highlights include:

Labyrinth

The large grass labyrinth near Loyola House follows the design of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, a classic pattern with a cross at its centre.
Walking the labyrinth is often understood in three stages: “releasing” on the way in, “receiving” at the centre, and “returning” as you walk out—bringing your insights back into the world.

A smaller stone version, built with local stones, is located along the Great Auk Trail.

Stations of the Cosmos

Inspired by the work of Thomas Berry, this spiral meditation walk weaves together the scientific story of evolution with a sense of sacred presence in the universe.

The walk features stations that reflect both the unfolding of the cosmos and human spirituality, including representations of world religions and the traditional Christian Stations of the Cross. Located near the greenhouse and community gardens, the Stations were completed in 2009 with support from the Catherine Donnelly Foundation and community donors.

Pollinator Gardens

In partnership with Pollination Guelph, a demonstration pollinator garden was created in 2018 beside Loyola House. It provides vital habitat for native bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, supporting both wild ecosystems and food production in the nearby farm and gardens. The garden also includes a small meditation space, offering a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.

Peace Pole

Installed in 2009, the Centre’s Peace Pole carries the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages, joining over 200,000 similar poles around the world. It stands near the Stations of the Cosmos as a symbol of hope and shared commitment to peace.

Living Willow Dome

Originally created with volunteers from the Spark of Brilliance organization, the willow dome is a woven structure made from living willow branches.
Though never used for sweat-lodge ceremonies, it offers a space for quiet reflection and connection to the land. After the original structure deteriorated, it was rebuilt in 2015 with help from local students and guidance from one of its original weavers.

Jesuit Cemetery

The Ignatius Jesuit Centre is the resting place of many Jesuits who began their formation here when the land was home to the St. Stanislaus Novitiate.
The cemetery was established a few years after the Jesuits purchased the property in 1913 and has since become a space of reverence and remembrance.
In addition to traditional gravestones, there are standing stones commemorating Canadian Jesuits buried overseas and a handcrafted wrought iron bench installed in 2014. The cemetery is located just below the Labyrinth and up the hill from Loyola House. For those seeking information about specific graves, click here for a list of those buried in the Jesuit Cemetery. GPS Coordinates: 43.571982, -80.286608.