Saturday, July 5th, 2025 Church Directory
Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo walks along the Tree of Life Labyrinth in the CentraCare Healing Garden after Tuesday’s dedication ceremony. (Photo by Ken Francis.

Centra Care Dedicates Healing Garden Labyrinth

 

A small group of people gathered outside CentraCare in Monticello for a special occasion Tuesday afternoon.

 

It was the dedication of the Tree of Life Labyrinth in the CentraCare Healing Garden.

 

“It’s a wellness tool - a walking meditation,” said Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo Spiritual Health Program Coordinator with CentraCare Health - Monticello. “The Healing Garden is already a mediative quiet space, and now we’re able to offer a different tool to use for meditation.”

 

 

The labyrinth was designed and installed by Minnesota artist Lisa Gidlow Moriarty from Stillwater.

“She does labyrinths all over the world,” said Bakkemo. “We were very fortunate that she was right here in Minnesota and was able to help with our vision.”

 

The design was selected partly because it is easily accessible to people in wheelchairs and to all people because of the limited number of tight turns.

 

The labyrinth was started in May and completed in June.

 

Joni Pawelk, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for CentraCare Monticello, said community donations to the CentraCare Foundation helped make the labyrinth possible.

 

“Our regional development committee looks at different requests that come in,” she said. “CentraCare as an organization is committed to caring for the whole person.” 

 

During the dedication ceremony, Dr. John Herring, Co-Administrator of CentraCare Health - Monticello, reiterated that sentiment.

 

“I can tell you as a family physician, I know the importance of not just caring for the physical health of a patient,” he said.  “I’ve also seen how important it is to think about caring for the whole person. That includes the mind and spirit.”

 

Rev. Bakkemo said the labyrinth is open for anyone - not just CentraCare residents and staff.

 

“It’s not tied to any faith or religion,” she said. “People can use it for prayer, meditation, contemplation, for just being still, being quiet or for stress relief. There’s a lot of uses. It can be a healing experience. No two journeys are the same.