What led me to the desert…

My initiation more deeply into the mysteries of life and death, and of being a man in today’s world, began with my dad. As friend, as mentor, as teacher he teased me about one day going on the Men’s Rites of Passage – and if I did it, he would pay for it. What an offer! And then we both would have shared a part of the mystery of men’s work, too.

So in the spring of 1997 I applied to attend this “retreat” weekend and by Labor Day weekend I found myself wandering in the desert with about 80 other men pondering the great questions of life and identity. The New Mexican barren, high altitude landscapes served as a great backdrop for deep, profound soul-searching. The men in my small breakout group also helped me along with their insight, shared stories, and their own sad occasions of masculine pain and suffering. For a handful of days we were each a profound presence of Christ for one another. Those connections 11 years ago continue to spiritually feed me to this day.

What I found during my time in the desert was a new way to be a more involved man in my own life. I learned how not to be in control but to surrender to the leadership of the Holy Spirit within me. As a temple of the living Christ, other brothers and sisters would share this journey with me. “We are the body of Christ,” took on a whole mew meaning for me.

These many years later I have been able to deeply connect my men’s work with a deeper relationship with my father and with other men. What a gift! I highly recommend any searching, discerning and occasionally praying brother to attend these rites whenever and wherever the spirit calls.

Peace and blessings!

Michael Doyle
Men's Rites of Passage, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico