MEN'S RITES OF PASSAGE
The Men's Rites of Passage is not just another men's retreat. It is five days of intensive male initiation.
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“You know after any truly initiating experience that you are part of a much bigger whole. Life is not about you henceforward, but you are about life.”
― Richard Rohr, Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation
More than 6,000 men have been initiated through these rites of male initiation over the past 30 years. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, (the author of our MROP) has now handed over the program to Illuman to oversee chapters across the United States and internationally as they implement this Men’s Rites of Passage.
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The Men’s Rites of Passage are best for those who have already done some men’s work and who are on a serious spiritual journey. It is best to make this experience as a lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together, nor is it a buddy experience. You may come with friends, but expect to be assigned to a home group where you will be anonymous and start from zero together.
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The required application is a discernment process about an applicant’s readiness to attend rather than a “first come, first served” process. The cost of the Rites is around $500 and includes all lodging, meals and any materials. Generous donors enable us to offer scholarships so any man can potentially attend regardless of ability to pay. To apply, simply navigate to the registration page, provide the deposit, and complete the registration process. To request a scholarship, follow the instructions on the registration page.
WHAT IS MEN'S RITES OF PASSAGE?
Thirty years ago, Richard Rohr, Stephen Gambill, along with others created a retreat experience in the wilderness that came to be known as the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP). Tapping deeply into universal truths and practices, the MROP is now regularly offered in Australia, Germany, Great Britain, The Czech Republic, and across the United States. A movement is growing through the thousands of men who have braved this deeply transformative encounter.
The MROP moved me from the center of a circle to its circumference. I am one with all others.
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Bob Strange
IS MROP RIGHT FOR ME?
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 wisdom 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 all human hearts.
I showed up, got into my beginners mind, and was transformed.
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Scott Johnson
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Choosing to attend an MROP is not just participation at another event. It is a decision that, for many, is born of a calling for something even if they are unsure what that something is— a sense in your gut inviting you into this adventure. To assist in your discernment, contact us to connect with a brother who has gone through the Rites.
The Men's Rites of Passage blew me away. It was so much more than I could have imagined it would be, and it prepared me to face a major trauma which hit me soon after my trip, putting me in a far better place than I would have otherwise been. Years later I’m still so grateful for the indelible mark this trip had on my life. My spouse and my kids are all glad that I went…
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Past MROP Participant