Enjoy a peaceful walk on our campus along the Peace Path – a winding path through a beautiful prairie of several acres planted with native Illinois grasses and small woodlands. This is a beautiful space for a walking meditation, allowing for both spiritual reflection and physical exercise.
Along the path, you will find many spaces to sit in prayer or contemplation including benches, seats carved from natural elements, or small grassy areas to spread out a blanket. In addition to the Divine natural world around you, along the way you can enjoy sculptures, statues and other points of reflection. Stop at one of the Prayer Bells along the path, where you can take a moment of intention and ring the bell. As the sound of the bell echoes forth – so do your prayers reverberate and your intentions are felt for the world.
The Peace Path was created by the Wheaton Franciscans as a part of our healing ministry. Plantings of many varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers add a quality of beauty, calm and peace. The mile-long path is paved and wheelchair accessible with many intersections which allow you to circle through the prairie for shorter or longer exploration.
Walk on our campus along the Peace Path - a winding path through a beautiful prairie of several acres planted with native Illinois grasses and small woodlands. This is a beautiful space for a walking meditation, allowing for both spiritual reflection and physical exercise.
Come explore the creation of the future St Clare Garden and more.
The garden will provide a place of stillness and serenity that compliments the Peace Path walking trail and the Cosmic Walk currently located on the grounds of the Wheaton Franciscans.
The Cosmic Walk is a walking meditation that offers a glimpse into our sacred origins by connecting the work of scientists with our ongoing spiritual search to better understand who we are and how we came to be.
Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the butterfly garden throughout the summer season.
Come explore the meadow with many prairie grasses and wildflowers.
Enjoy a contemplative walk in the meadow and the colors throughout the season.
The Pine Grove is perfect for a walking meditation and offers a space of stillness and contemplation.
Practicing Presence
Practicing Presence requires a certain amount of non-reactivity. Being able to notice and observe our own emotions allows for a space between what activates us (or triggers us) and our next thought, word, or action. The space allows us to respond skillfully rather than react choicelessly. It also creates pathways to take care of our own needs in the moment. This practicing awareness of our emotional process gives us insight into the experience of others, precisely because all of us are human.
Download Reflection here
Celebrate Creation
Join Sr. Glenna Czachor as she walks along the Peace Path in celebration of the new creations of spring.
Spring Peace Path Walk
Enjoy a contemplative spring walk along the Peace Path on the grounds of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters.
Peace Path & Cosmic Walk
Summer Peace Path Walk
Enjoy a contemplative summer walk along the Peace Path on the grounds of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters.
Fall Peace Path Walk
Enjoy a contemplative walk along the Peace Path on the grounds of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters.