Almost 20 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, all over the United States, and new countries are being added. Thousands of men have gone through this deeply transformative experience already, and the movement is growing.
Originally rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the MROP now also draws on poetry, stories, and wisdom teachings from all over the world. Reflecting on practices men from many cultures have used for thousands of years to help men become better fathers, sons, elders, brothers, and lovers, the MROP draws a diverse group of men, who are united in their desire to be more authentic, more alive, and more connected. At an MROP you’ll find liberals and conservatives, young and old, rich and poor, highly educated and those whose teachers were not found in books…you’ll find men from all over the country, from all manner of families, from all manner of spiritual and faith traditions. You’ll find classic macho men and bookworms, pacifists and members of the military…in short…you’ll find an amazing cross section of society, all drawn by a sense of something more, some desire to go deeper and farther, some restless itch that wants more than what they’ve been given.
“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
The Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) is an experience that awakens men to the adventure and mystery of their own belovedness, their masculinity, their deep spirituality, their potential for leadership, and the process of transformation. Over the course of 5 days of soulful experiences, men go through classic steps of male initiation through simple and moving rituals and teaching. You’ll have plenty of time by yourself, out in nature, you’ll have time with a small group of brothers, and time with the larger overall group.
Men are asked to come with a willingness to participate from beginning to end and not as an observer. Trust that this process, which has served others so well, will also meet you wherever it is you are in life, and help you move into wherever it is you need to go. Most of the men who come, have little idea about what to expect, and have come based on a trusted friend’s recommendation that “you should really really do this.” Others come because they are seeking for a transformative experience, and either through Richard Rohr or other people, stumble upon this event. Whatever drew you…you are welcome.
The Men’s Rites of Passage are most appropriate for those who are spiritually searching. Though friends and family do come together some times, it is preferable if you approach this experience as a lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together. You may come with friends but expect to be grouped separately to start together from zero with your group. (You will actually find this to be an advantage.)