Men's Rites of Passage
Embark on a 5-day journey to fully embrace your manhood. Leave with a greater sense of purpose, deeper self-understanding, and a clearer vision for your role in life. Join a brotherhood of men to delve into ancient wisdom, and experience rituals, storytelling, and encounters with the natural and more than human world.
We are a group of men dedicated to the promotion of a strong and healthy male spirituality, based on the work of Richard Rohr and with the support of illuman.org. Through transformative inner work, we help men grow, connect, and make a difference in the world.
All men aged 18+ are welcome, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, or religious and cultural backgrounds.
Join us in Summer 2025 and embark on your Rites of Passage
Journey
Through the 5 day process of the Rites you will experience drumming, ritual, fire, silence, small groups, wilderness, solo-time, teaching, and more.
When & Where
Wed 23rd July to Sun 27th July 2025, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Cost
€750. This is our break-even cost; we’re a non-profit voluntary organisation. Bursaries are available.
The MROP is:
- A personal discovery about masculine spirituality and “the Great Mystery.”
- A time to savor the healing and awesome power of nature.
- A process to address issues of loss, grief, trauma, and relationships with our fathers, other men, and each other.
- 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, by whatever name you give the transcendent mystery of the universe.
- A chance to return to life with a renewed commitment to your gifts.
The MROP is Not:
- 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 unsafe.
- A test of physical stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is not about religion, but about spirituality. The MROP has its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. However, it focuses on 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. Men from diverse traditions participate. Regardless of faith or lack thereof, all are welcome and will benefit from the profoundly deep impact of this work.
The initiation of the boy into manhood was deemed absolutely necessary for cultural survival and personal spirituality by primal cultures throughout the world. However the custom in the west is mostly forgotten.
The problem is that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness and transformation, they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power. Initiation provides the man with the experiences that help shape his deep understanding of his value and place in the world.
Thousands of men have undertaken the Rites across Europe, America and Australia since 1998.
The Rites are run by an experienced team of male elders who have all previously undertaken the Rites themselves. All are volunteers freely donating their time.
The MROP serves as an initiation, marking a new beginning. If accepted as an initiate, you will attend this event only once. Whether you have completed the MROP or not, you are welcome to join any of our regular local men’s groups held virtually and in person.
We firmly believe that investing in the development of men today will have a lasting positive impact on their lives, our community, and society at large. We aim to keep costs as low as possible, and provide a limited bursary fund for men that may find the fee a real struggle. Your readiness to attend is more important than your financial situation. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to be considered for bursary assistance.
All men are welcome in this sacred and safe space. We each bring our own insights, anxieties, and fears into this shared experience, and we respect each man’s right to speak his truth and discern his path. It’s common for participants to discover that we are more alike in our longings and deepest aspirations, than we are different.