Men’s Rites Of Passage – Illuman of Illinois

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.

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.

MROP 2022 Application & Registration

Location: Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center, 26449 1340 North Avenue, Princeton, IL, 61356

Cost: $550 ($100 deposit required with application)

Registration Closes: August 5, 2022

Questions: Email Bob Colaresi bob.colaresi@ilmidwestmalespirituality.org if you want to discuss late registration.

MROP 2022 Apply & Register Here

Videos about Men's Initiation and the MROP

In “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.

In “Why Males Need Initiation” Fr. Richard Rohr states, “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.”

MROP // 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. MROP Registration

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 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.

The Rites in 2022

See a list of all the MROPs taking place throughout the States and the world here.

Below is a listing of Men’s Rites of Passage opportunities for 2022 in the United States and beyond. Additional international opportunities may be posted in the coming months so please check back often.

Southwest MROP
April 27 – May 1, 2022
Winkelman, Arizona
Contact: Al Selder

East Coast MROP
May 3 – 7, 2022
Johnsonburg, New Jersey
Contact: John Ball

Pacific Northwest MROP
May 25-29, 2022
Carlton, Washington
Contact: Jeffrey Batstone

Midwest MROP
August 10-14, 2022
Princeton, Illinois
Contact: Bob Colaresi

Latvia MROP
August 24-28, 2022
Lūžņa, Latvia
Contact: Filips Rubenis

Texas MROP & Umbrales (Spanish-language)
October 5-9, 2022
New Braunfels, Texas
Contact: Tony Deosdade

Northern California MROP
October 19-23
Redding, California
Contact: Joe Gabaeff

All events are potentially subject to change or cancellation as needed due to COVID-19.

2022 APPLICATION & REGISTRATION

2022 DOWNLOAD FLYER

Already attended an MROP? Want to return as part of our Initiator Program?

Click here to learn more!

If you’ve ever wanted to return to an MROP, here is your chance with the Initiator Program. This program, which Illinois M.A.L.E.s helped pilot back in 2014, is being done in conjunction with the August 10–14, 2022 MROP in Princeton Illinois. 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.