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Illuman of IllinoisIlluman of Illinois
Illuman of IllinoisIlluman of Illinois
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Resources For The Journey
    • Video Resources For The Journey
  • MROP
    • What is MROP?
    • MROP Testimonials
    • Initiator program
    • Returning Initiated Men
  • Journey of Illumination
    • The Five Touchstones
    • Centering
    • Gathering
    • Connecting
    • Releasing
    • Serving
  • Council
    • Way Of Council
    • Virtual Council
  • Connect
    • Illuman of Illinois
    • Illuman of Illinois Past Events
    • Illuman National Events
    • Soularize 2022
    • Photo Gallery
    • Blog
  • Umbrales

Who We Are

Home Who We Are

WELCOME TO ILLUMAN of ILLINOIS

Illuman of Illinois is the regional chapter of Illuman, a global not for profit organization committed to supporting men who are seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. We are an organization that is open to all men based on the simple belief that we are all brothers. While Illuman was founded in 2012, it emerged from the remarkable work of Men as Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es) founded by Fr. Richard Rohr. In December 2012, Fr. Richard blessed Illuman as the organization approved to continue the work begun by M.A.L.Es, and the Men’s Rites of Passage. In March 2023, “Illinois M.A.L.Es Midwest Chapter” rebranded to Illuman of Illinois.

Our programs and offerings focus on providing men with an opportunity to do their ‘inner work’ in the company of other men. We use ritual, teaching and ways of communicating that allow men to create an environment where men can explore what matters to them most. We foster an environment where:

  • Men can speak without being judged or shamed
  • Men can both speak about their emotions and be emotional
  • Men can forge real and authentic relationships with other men
  • Men can discuss real life challenges of the different roles we play –
    husband/partner, father, grandfather, provider, businessman, worker etc.
  • Men who participate in our work receive support as they journey through life and face some of life’s toughest challenges and transitions. Our programs are centered in ritual experiences rather than in conceptual teachings. Illuman creates opportunities for men that we know they can’t find on their own or anywhere else.

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

WHERE WE MEET

We meet at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois and often have time of solitude and silence on the beautiful surrounding grounds. We believe that God is present in every person, event, and experience of our lives. Sometimes we need to get away or slow down to listen to our life – to the voice of God. The belief that God speaks through and embraces every experience of our life underlies all the programs we offer.

JOIN US
ABOUT OUR WORK

There is a growing group of men located in throughout the world who have completed the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) developed by Richard Rohr. We meet regularly to encourage and grow together as men and brothers in this modern age. We desire to reach out to all men in our region. If you would like to learn more about us or have questions, use the Contact Us link above.

CONTACT US
OUR HISTORY

Over the past 10 years we have gathered annually to connect around our interest in male spirituality. We also sponsor meetings and retreats for men. Many of us have attended meetings and retreats of our brothers in other chapters of ILLUMAN throughout the United States. There is a national umbrella group called Illuman that supports the regional MALEs groups.

LEARN MORE

Who We Are

Illuman of Illinois

Illuman of Illinois is a group of men, many of whom have completed the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) created by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM. Our goal is to promote spiritual growth, healing, and wholeness for all men. We do this by holding retreats, encouraging men to be honest and open with each other and helping men to connect through small group meetings which offer fellowship, growth and accountability.

We Are Led By A Council Of Elders Consisting Of The Following Men:
Bob Colaresi, Tom Cook, Steven Desmarais, Jim Healy, Ramiro de La Garza, Gary Meagher, Bill McElroy, & Chester Trocha
We're a community of men transforming other men through a love greater than ourselves.

Contact

  • Chester & Gary / Co-Conveners
  • ILLUMAN of Illinois
  • Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  • conever@illumanillinois.org
  • https://illumanillinois.org

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All Rights Reserved. | Illuman of Illinois