BROOKSVILLE – The Dwelling Place Prayer and Retreat Center just received its new, one-of-a-kind cookbook, “The Fruit of the Spirit,” which contains more than 400 recipes – everything from appetizers to desserts. Each recipe includes the contributor’s name, so it’s easy to find the recipes of that favorite cook or loved one. The recipes were compiled by the staff of the Dwelling Place, associates and friends.
Special features contain recipes by Sister Maggie Kosse, initial staff member, and Mary Ann Dee, long-time associate, in memory of her and her culinary gifts. According to a member of the Dwelling Place, both were known for their delicious food made from simple ingredients.
Founded in 1985 by Clare Van Lent on the grounds of a former Trappist Monastery, the Dwelling Place is a small retreat center in east central Mississippi about 20 minutes southeast of Columbus. Situated about two miles down a gravel road, the property is quiet and evokes a sense of peace and contemplation. One awakens to the pastoral and poetic sounds of bovine melodies from the nearby pasture.
According to its website – dwellingplace.com – the original monastery consisted of a small chapel/library building. A 1960’s triple-wide trailer and lean-to served as monastery, kitchen/laundry, and carport. A second trailer served as a guesthouse.
Now after several years of planning and building the center can accommodate up to 14 people at a time for overnight retreats in a group facility and three hermitages. There is a communal dining hall, library and chapel.
Between 1998 and 2003, a staff house was erected, a sacred path with Stations of the Cross was created, and a beautiful gazebo was donated and assembled on the banks of a pond. A new administration building, Assisi Center, became a reality in 2009.
Another aspect to the center is an active associates program, which allows the many friends of the center to remain active in its ministry. On-site staff in addition to retreat director Van Lent, include Mary Horrell, facilities manager, and Sheila Avery, administrative assistant. Prescheduled retreats are listed on their website and are open to individuals, couples, and small-groups of all denominations.
Cookbooks can be purchased at The Dwelling Place, 2851 Dwelling Place Rd., Brooksville, MS 39739; on its website, www.dwellingplace.com; or by calling Avery, at 662-738-5348. Cost is $20 plus $5 shipping and handling. If purchased on the website, PayPal is available.
This is the third edition of the cookbook which was printed by Morris Press Cookbooks of Kearney, NE. Profits will benefit the ministry at The Dwelling Place.