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Meet the staff
... and learn a little more about us

The Dwelling Place came into being in response to God's call to Sr. Clare Van Lent, O S F, in August 1985. In January 1987 it became a reality through the assistance of the Dubuque Franciscan Community and benefactors when she and Sr. Maggie Kosse arrived at the former Trappist monastery located north of Brooksville in east central Mississippi.

The original monastery consisted of a small chapel / library building. A 1960's triple-wide trailer and lean-to served as a monastery, kitchen/ laundry, and carport. A second trailer served as a guesthouse.

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The early years were spent renovating the property, creating a retreat ministry, incorporating the enterprise, and receiving non-profit status.

The early 1990's saw the formation of an advisory board, creation of the associate program, and construction of Umbria Guest House and our hermitages- Francis House, Clare House, and Maria House.

Since that time we've built a stronger financial base with our Partner Program of planned givers and established an Endowment Fund. We also began conducting an annual appeal each autumn.

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Between 1998 and 2003, a staff house was erected, a sacred path with Stations of the Cross was created, and our beautiful gazebo was donated and assembled on the banks of our pond. A new administration building, Assisi Center, became a reality in 2009.

We are currently involved in a fundraising campaign to replace our dining facility which, when realized, will enhance the retreat experience at The Dwelling Place for many years to come.

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For all the changes that have occurred since we first began, we remain focused on our goal of service to the Christian community.

Join us for one of our scheduled retreats... or request a personal retreat that you can customize to your needs or those of your group. Clare, Mary, and Sheila are available to assist in making your stay at The Dwelling Place a special and memorable experience.

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