54165 Audubon Drive
Sandstone
MN 55072
The Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) experience is Illuman’s signature event. This 5-day, 4-night retreat helps awaken men to the adventure and mystery of their own masculinity, their deep spirituality, their potential for leadership, and their life’s purpose.
For most men, the question of what it means to be a man is perplexing. Most men have a longing for the support and guidance of other men in their journey towards masculinity, maturity, and a deeper experience with the divine. In ancient cultures initiation rites and vision quests were used to help boys make the journey into adulthood.
Opening the door to this journey can start by attending a Men’s Rites of Passage retreat. The MROP is a deeply prayerful and soulful experience that builds on the classic patterns of male initiation through simple and moving rituals and teaching. Each day includes group prayer, teachings on central themes in masculine spirituality, quiet time for reflection, and small group sharing.
Men are asked to come with a willingness to engage, wholeheartedly, from beginning to end – not merely as an observer. All participants begin at point zero with no agendas or preconceived expectations. All that is required is for a man to come with a “beginner’s mind” and the readiness of a young novice seeking wisdom.
Initiation, like life itself, is not a spectator’s sport.
Acceptance to the MROP is based on perceived readiness for a deep encounter. In the Men’s Rites of Passage, images and ritual are used from a variety of religious traditions. Though our primary orientation has developed from the Judeo-Christian heritage, the universal nature of what the MROP addresses continually demonstrates that if something is true, it is true, and will resonate in human hearts all over this globe.
We are fed by the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity, and the MROP welcomes all men regardless of faith tradition, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, socio-economic status or any other artificial divisions present in our society. We have welcomed men young and old, liberal and conservative, impoverished and wealthy, Christian fundamentalists, evangelicals, progressives, Buddhists, Catholics, Mormons, agnostics, “spiritual but not religious”, ardent pacifists and proud members of the US military, gay men and those yet homophobic…to say nothing of ethnic or nationality differences…and in almost every case, these men are all deeply moved despite their broad backgrounds and viewpoints.
The Men’s Rites of Passage are most appropriate for those who are spiritually searching. Though friends and family do come together some times, it is preferable if you approach this experience as a lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together. You may come with friends but expect to be grouped separately to start together from zero with your group. (You will actually find this to be an advantage.)
The Men’s Rites of Passage is ultimately designed as a once in a lifetime event. You may not make this initiation rite more than once, but you may return to help make the experience happen for other men as an initiator.
Elements of the MROP require a basic mobility and level of health that will allow you to move around and hike on uneven terrain. There is a period of fasting for those who can. However, we have had people in their upper 70’s and those in wheelchairs go through this before successfully. We will work with you.
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