Mary van Balen

author columnist presenter educator

A Dwelling Place Within



A Dwelling Place Within is a collection of Psalms, prayers, and writings of St. Francis and his early biographers as well short selections by spiritual authors, both ancient and current. The sixty days worth of writings are arranged in Morning Prayer/​Evening Prayer format that can guide the reader into reflection and prayer.

A Dwelling Place Within begins with a short biography of Francis and contains an appendix of his prayers as well as extensive endnotes that reference all readings, and give their source publication, making further reading of a particular author or on specific topics convenient.

Selected Works

Devotional
A book of reflections based on the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi
Inspirational
A celebration of marriage that encourages the reader to embrace all the seasons.
A collection of anecdotes and reflections upon the presence of the Sacred in ordinary life
Biography
The story of a courageous woman who traded a life of wealth for one of service

Quick Links

Universalis
Provides readings for Liturgy of the Hours and Mass of the day. Includes information on feast days.
The Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical & Cultural Research
Saint John's Abbey Collegeville MN
Information, daily reflections, many links to life at the Abbey and St. John's
The Martin de Porres Center
A wonderful venue for retreats, art exhibits, small groups, programs. Link to scheduled events
Celebrate!
Pastoral magazine for those involved in liturgy planning and celebration
The Soft Earth
Website of Joan Lederman and her pottery studio in Woods Hole, MA. Joan uses sediment from the ocean floor (from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) as glazes to finish her beautiful variety of unique pieces.
The Private Eye
Educational site; hands-on investigation using jeweler's loupe and questions
Authors Guild
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