S. Jan Ginzkey, OSB

Sister Jan has been learning and teaching about the labyrinth and the culturally modified trees for 38 years. She gathered community to build the labyrinth in 2001 as a contemplative means to deepen one’s spirituality. She continues to discover and protect the sacred living artifacts of the Ute peoples.

From S. Jan: I come from a large Midwestern Catholic family that formed the foundation of my strong faith, sense of responsibility, hospitality, and work ethic. As a Benedictine sister of Benet Hill Monastery, I am privileged to have served in a variety of ministries and roles.

One of my most rewarding ministries was directing Benet Pines Retreat Center from 1996 – 2002 (now the home of Benet Hill Monastery). During this time, I began doing fire mitigation in the forest with volunteers and started to encourage retreatants to encounter their God through experiences in nature.

As I became more attuned to the beauty of nature and our forest, I envisioned creating meditative paths and welcoming prayer sites to encourage others to linger in God’s creation. Over time, these plans came to fruition through the work of many hands. As Benedictines, we welcome everyone, so our prayer sites include two Zen gardens in addition to a simple cross, a grotto to the Blessed Virgin, a labyrinth, Stations of the Cross, the St. Benedict Cemetery and Columbarium, and benches along the paths. The labyrinth was the last site we created, building it one day in 2001 with the help of thirty-five volunteers. Much later, a friend with knowledge of Native American spirituality added the Medicine Wheel that is located between Benet Lane and Reiden Road.

While working in the forest, I became aware of trees modified by human hands, known as Culturally Modified Trees (CMT). I began studying about the Ute tribes that are native to the Front Range region with Dr. James Jefferson, a southern Ute elder, and John Anderson, co-founder of NASTaP (Native American Sacred Trees and Places). I joined NASTaP and continue adding to my knowledge and respect of the spirituality of the Ute people. At Benet Hill, we consider it our responsibility and privilege to protect these living artifacts.

With these Seasonal pilgrimages, I am delighted to welcome pilgrims to journey with me on one or both paths. On the labyrinth path, you will learn about and experience how to deepen your relationship with our Creator by praying with the labyrinth. On the Culturally Modified Trees path, you will learn about the Native American people who created them, their spirituality, and how to recognize, identify, and protect these living artifacts.

I look forward to meeting you soon!