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 with the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) retreat. This retreat can help awaken men to the adventure and mystery of their own masculinity, their deep spirituality, their potential for leadership, and their life’s purpose.

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. MROP opens the door to the adventure.

The retreat is a five-day / four night, deeply prayerful and soulful experience that builds on the classic patterns of male initiation through simple and moving rituals and teaching. Each day includes participating in group prayer, major teachings on central masculine spirituality themes, quiet time for reflection, and sharing in the context of a “home group.”

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 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. Initiation, like life itself, is not a spectator’s sport.

This is not about religion but about spirituality, about age old traditions that guide us into manhood, about coming to trust that there is something much greater at work in our lives than we could ever imagine.

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

I would like to read more about the event? Where can I find more information?

Books and DVDs can provide valuable insight and should give you an idea if the Rites offer what you are seeking. Check out the resources listed here: In particular, look at Male Spirituality and Why Men Need Initiation, From Wild Man to Wise Men: Reflections on Male Spirituality, or Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation.

I am not sure I am a Christian and I don’t want to come if this is just another religious thing.

The rites of passage are not uniquely Christian. While these particular rites have emerged from the Judeo-Christian Tradition, the rites themselves embrace all faith traditions. The Rites of Passage are not about religion, but about inner spirituality and ancient wisdom traditions that guide us into our true selves and connect us to all human beings and the more than human world.

Am I too young, or too old to come?

There is no easy answer to this question. This is not for teenagers. We will consider a young man 18 or older, but there will need to be significant experience in his own spiritual journey. An older man with significant health problems may find the wilderness experiences too challenging. Most of the men who have come to the Rites are between 30 and 65. But some younger men have grown up quickly and have already been initiated into the questions and perplexities of the second half of life, and there are many robust men well past 65 who will profit from this time. We will be glad to help you discern if this is right for you. Just contact us here, if you have any concerns.

I’m gay. Will I be welcome?

All men are welcome in this sacred and safe space to speak their truth and discern their paths. We all bring our own insights, anxieties and fears into this kind of intimate, shared experience. In the end, participants will likely find that we are more alike in our longings, our hungers, our deepest aspirations, than we are different.

If you feel you are ready to act:

Then you might be ready for your Men’s Rites of Passage or you may want to connect with a home group in your area. Click here to find the Regional Contact in your area.

Next Steps

1 // Pray & Prepare

The MROP is not just another event to attend, nor is it something to “fix” some condition in your life. It is a decision that should come out of prayer; you should know in your “gut” that God is inviting you into it. You might also talk to others who have gone through the MROP.

2 // Visit Host Chapter Website

When you’re ready, visit the website for the host chapter where you would like to participate in an MROP. Please take your time as you read and review the application and consider all the questions.

3 // Submit Application & Deposit

Submit your completed application, along with a $50 deposit, to the host chapter. If you are accepted, the deposit becomes non-refundable and is applicable to the final payment. Once received, the host chapter will contact you regarding the status of your application. If accepted, a full confirmation package will be sent to you with further instructions.

4 // Wait & Pray

The MROP is a life-changing opportunity. Spend the time before an MROP being present to additional inspiration and insight. Be aware of where your life’s journey is calling your attention. Check out several of our recommended reading resources here!

The Rites in 2020

MROPs throughout the States and the world…
Below is a listing of Men’s Rites of Passage opportunities for 2020 in the United States and beyond. Additional international opportunities may be posted in the coming months so please check back often.

2020

UK Men’s Rites of Passage
July 22-26, 2020
Contact: Chris O’Donnell

Australia Men’s Rites of Passage
August 11-15, 2020
Contact: Wayne Stevens

Illinois Men’s Rites of Passage
August 12 – 16, 2020
Contact: Bob Colaresi

Czech Republic Men’s Rites of Passage
September 9-13, 2020
Contact: Pavel Hrdina

Northern California Men’s Rites of Passage
November 4 – 8, 2020
Contact: Rich Gierak

DOWNLOAD 2020 FLYER

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.

Read how the MROP has changed men’s lives here > Our Blog

The Journey Of Illumination

Becoming an Initiated Man on the Men’s Rites of Passage is the start of your Journey of Illumination. It will last throughout the rest of your life.

We are now men transforming men through a power greater than ourselves. We are seeking a life changing spirituality. Our primary concern is inner work that makes a difference in the world. We are fed by the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity. Our work recovers traditional patterns of male initiation, affirms a masculine path to healing, reveals the true and false self and honours the path of descent. We do this through the power of ritual, image, story and council. These are our five touchstones:

Centering – we are men grounded in the power of the here and now (e.g. your regular spiritual practice).
Gathering – we are men who listen deeply to each other’s stories (e.g. your engagement in men’s groups and networks).
Connecting – we are men who choose another to walk with – shoulder to shoulder (e.g. mentoring, coaching and spiritual guidance).
Releasing – We are men who let go of the ways that no longer serve us (e.g. setting-down reviews and rituals).
Serving – we are men who honour the earth and serve the whole human community (e.g. your service to others).

We seek to form future generations of men who will restore these practices – serving to build a world that celebrates the beauty of all beings.

MROP