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.
This is not about mere religion, it’s about deep spirituality. It’s about age old traditions that guide us into manhood and coming to trust that there is something much greater at work in our lives than we could ever imagine.
Living a shallow unexamined life is an empty experience. The Journey of Illumination begins with the age-old traditions that teach the five things every man needs to learn before he can fully engage in the adventure and mystery life will bring. The Men’s Rites of Passage opens the door to this adventure.
Are you ready for YOUR adventure? Are you ready to be initiated?
What Is The Men's Rite Of Passage?
In the words of the program’s founder, Fr. Richard Rohr:
“Men are asked to come with a willingness to participate from beginning to end and not as an observer. All participants begin at point zero with no agendas to live up to or down to. All that is required is for a man to come with a ‘beginner’s mind’ and the readiness of a young novice seeking wisdom. Ultimately, initiation, like life itself, is not a “spectator’s sport.”
MROP IS:
- A personal discovery about masculine spirituality and “the Holy Mystery.”
- A time to savor the healing and awesome power of nature.
- A process to address issues of loss, grief, and relationships with our father, other men, and others.
- An opportunity to examine life’s priorities and ask courageous questions about your next step.
- An invitation to listen to the quiet voice of God.
- A chance to return to life with a renewed commitment to your gifts.
MROP ISN'T:
- A traditional lecture-based retreat.
- An informational workshop about men’s spirituality.
- A sensitivity training or deprivation experience.
- A threatening process that requires participants to engage in anything strange or unsafe.
- A test of physical stamina.
Videos about Men's Initiation and the MROP
The Cosmic Importance of Male Initiation
Fr. Richard Rohr shows how primal societies have demonstrated that cultural survival is dependent on personal spirituality. Unfortunately, the proven way to lead males on this journey has been lost to the West for a thousand years. Fr. Richard addresses the reality that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness, they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power.
Why Males Need Initiation
“Transformation, initiation and getting the great vision can’t happen inside of the brick and mortar. You always have to take the boy into nature. There’s not a single exception to that.”
FAQ's
Next Steps
Upcoming Men's Rites of Passage
We offer multiple Rites of Passage throughout the United States and around the World.
Below are all of our upcoming Men’s Rites of Passage.
More details will be posted in the coming months. Check back!
Pacific Northwest MROP
May 13-17
Central Oregon
Contact: Sam Pierce
West Coast MROP/Umbrales
June 11-15
Angelus Oaks, California
Contact: Mark Infusino
Great Lakes MROP
June 18-22
Sandstone, Minnesota
Contact: Michael Finch
Southwest MROP
September 17-21
Wewoka, Oklahoma
Contact: Andrew Rice
Already attended an MROP? Want to return as part of our Initiator Program?
If you’ve ever wanted to return to an MROP, here is your chance with the Initiator Program. This program is being done in conjunction with the standard MROPs. This Illuman program is not a repetition of an MROP experience, but is designed to give an initiated man the opportunity to deepen his understanding of initiation while walking with and holding the initiation experience of other men. If you are interested, ask the about the program at the MROP of your choice that you would like to attend or have a friend or family member attending.