Illuman of Illinois
Serving the Men of Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
We are a Community of Men Transforming Other Men through a Loving Power Greater than Ourselves.
Start with
the ground
you know,
the pale ground
beneath your feet,
your own
way to begin
the conversation.
-David Whyte
Who We Are
Rooted in spiritual depth and inclusivity, our gatherings are open to all men without exception. Our practices are informed by the rich history and experiences of many faith traditions. Our roots spring from the Judeo-Christian background, and have been deepened by the wisdom, depth, and interconnectedness of the spiritual journey across many faiths.
Illuman of Illinois embraces and honors all faith traditions.
Our one “ask” is that you prepare yourself for opportunities for relationship, growth, and reflection. Illuman of Illinois aspires to offer a sense of connection to men who walk with one another through life’s toughest challenges and transitions. Through nature, ritual, teaching, and relationships, we hope to create spaces where men can explore what matters most and support one another along the way.
Nothing’s a gift, it’s all on loan.
I’m drowning in debts up to my ears.
I’ll have to pay for myself
with myself,
give up my life for my life.
-Wisława Szymborska
What We Offer
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We gather in local councils for connection, sharing, and growth. All are open to any man on a spiritual journey.
These gatherings provide space for men to listen, speak from the heart, and support one another. We are guided by Illuman’s Way of Council.
Current in-person council locations include Wilmette (contact Bill), Darien (contact Bob), Madison (contact Keith), and Southeast Wisconsin (contact Gary).
If you are interested in getting involved in an emerging Council, contact Bart.
For those unable to attend an in-person council, we also offer a virtual council on the 1st Tuesday of each month. See events for the connection details.
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Throughout the year we meet up to reconnect and explore the various practices of the spiritual journey. Some current offerings include the Men’s Rite of Passage, weekend retreats, half-day retreats, movie nights, and an annual bonfire.
Each of these offerings are found in the events section of this page.
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Aspiring to link our everyday experiences with Illuman’s Journey of Illumination, we offer a quarterly e-newsletter to support men in their daily lives.
Today outside your prison I stand
and rattle my walking stick: Prisoners, listen;
you have relatives outside. And there are
thousands of ways to escape.
-William Stafford
We offer a variety of retreats, gatherings and special events throughout the year. Click below to find our upcoming offerings and, where appropriate, register/rsvp so we can plan accordingly.
Need help? Contact us: convener@illumanillinois.org
I am beginning to despair
and can see only two choices
either go crazy or turn holy.
-Adélia Prado
COUNCIL of ELDERS: Bob Colaresi, Bart Hisgen, Leo Kamin, Ramiro de La Garza, Bill Marquard, Bill McElroy & Matt Morrison.
Belief in God is an inclination to listen,
but as we grow older and our freedom hardens,
we hardly even want to hear ourselves…
-Robert Lowell
Men’s Rites of Passage
MROP 2024
MROP 2022
MROP 2018
MROP 2016
MROP 2014
MROP 2012
MROP 2010
MROP 2008
Every time you leave home,
Another road takes you
Into a world you never were in
New strangers on other paths await.
New places that have never seen you
Will startle a little at your entry.
Old places that know you well
Will pretend nothing
Changed since your last visit.
-John O’Donohue
