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Hello, My Name is Anthony (Tony).

I live in NJ. I am privileged to have been offered the opportunity to, and to have accepted, the invitation to attend the Sept 08 MROP in Claryville, NY. The Rites Of Passage continue to be a life-transforming event for me. It's been two and a half months since Sept, and at this time I feel that I may not be able to "trust my perceptions" (a twelve-step program concept) well enough to clearly explain how the Rites have changed my life. But I am sure they have and will for the rest of my life. I also know how glad I am that this forum is available. I have read through the comments posted. Being able to say how grateful I am for the effort taken to set up this site, and for the comments posted, is a great grace for me as I reach out and "check in". As an amateur writer, I hope to offer my own words. I am anxious to trust my perceptions well enough to put them on "paper".

Till then, and to all my initiated brothers, thanks for just being there -

ALL MY BEST FROM THE EAST -

Tony

I experienced the Rites of Passage in Sandstone, Minnesota, in June 2007. It was truly a milestone on my spiritual journey and the images, lessons, and experiences from those 5 days have stuck with me since and I'm sure will always be with me. I also experienced the weekend retreat for initiated men earlier this year (June 08) at the same location and it was another memorable, edifying experience. Belden Lane was a wonderful retreat leader.

I came across a short reflection on Thomas Merton, who died 40 years ago yesterday (Dec. 10, 1968), at this link:

http://www.sojo.net/blog/godspolitics/?p=4525&title

Those of you who participated in the Lectio Divina workshop at the June 2008 retreat may remember me mentioning a book entitled "The Book Of Hours", which is a collection of Merton's writings to be used for prayer at dawn, day, dusk, and dark. (Sort of a variation on the Divine Office.) I have gained so much from using the Merton readings in this book for prayer. I don't use it every single day, but I do read it frequently and it's very beneficial for prayer, contemplation, and lectio divina.

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Hours-Thomas-Merton/dp/1933495057

I received a mailing from Fr. Richard Rohr regarding the "Red Mesa" project in New Mexico. Did you? I humbly ask all initiated men to please prayerfully consider Fr. Rohr's request in this matter.

Hope everyone is well, staying warm, and anticipating the quiet, meaningful side of Christmas amid all the worldly hustle and bustle.

Take care all,

- Robert Toomey

Hey Guys -

While working at home a while ago, I noticed the lyrics to some music I was listening to were, I felt, almost totally appropriate to my responsisbilities as an initated man -

Check them out -

If You Got It
Don't Lose It, Man, It's Got To Be
The One Creative Thing That's Left For You And Me

If You Find It
Don't Lose It All The Very Next Day
Lock It In You Soul And Throw The Key Away

So, Don't You Let It Go
Let It Stay, Let It Grow
Like The Snow, Don't Let It Melt Away

If You Find It
Then Give It, Man, With All Your Might
Forget About Yourself, You're Not The Losing Kind

If You Get It
Then Keep It Cool, Don't Let It Die
You May Only See It Once
Don't Let It Pass You By

So, Don't You Let It Go
Let It Stay, Let It Grow
Like The Snow, Don't Let It Melt Away

If You Find It
Then Give It, Man, With All Your Might
Forget About Yourself, You're Not The Losing Kind

If You Get It
Then Keep It Cool, Don't Let It Die
You May Only See It Once
Don't Let It Pass You By

Pass You By, Don't Let It Die
Don't Let It Go

"If You Got It" words and music by Gordon Lightfoot
From the album "The Way I Feel"
United Artists, 1967

I travailed to the Rites of Passage in Sandstone, Minnesota, in June 2007 from Ireland, to which it was an extremely powerful and life changing experience. That may sound a bit over the top but from those five days with 50 + other guy. I began to embrace my fellow brothers, because before that I had always lived in fear of other men. I mistrusted them and never had a real strong healthy male relationship. Throughout my experience on the rites I felt a warm, strong caring energy from the men but especially from the team of elders who held this sacred and special space. Through teachings, ritual, sharing and silent reflection I was able to connect to a rejected and deeper side of myself, which was hidden away and in pain. I now am still connecting to this side and learning to nurture it rather than hide from it. Also what I experience in this deeper connection was to my surprise, a stronger connect to God.
Since I return form the rites, I have been actively involved with M.A.L.Es Ireland. We helped out with the MROP in England last year, and we are holding the 1st MROP here in Ireland this year in June. I know from experience the power of the rites and have heard from numerous people who have attended them a profound and life altering experience.
Love and Peace to all my brothers
Ray Tonge