+ ABOUT +
The Communion of the Mystic Rose
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The Communion of the Mystic Rose (CMR) is an initiatory fellowship of contemplative seekers devoted to the spiritual freedom and illumination of all beings through an incarnational, poetic, animistic, telestic, and unitive way of life. Rooted in Neoplatonic theurgy, shaped by the mysticism of ancient Alexandrian theology, informed by robust religious scholarship and the perennial wisdom of the world’s great contemplative traditions, we gather as pilgrim souls around the flame of a living hearth: a circle of deep companionship and praxis devoted to the beauty and sanctity of Creation, and to the unveiling of the divine in all things.
In 2024, after more than a decade as a Catholic Christian religious order, The Communion of the Mystic Rose entered a vibrant new season of its life, drawing the curtain on its time in the Episcopal Church and fully embracing its theurgic roots. Our communion is now blossoming anew as an initiatory fellowship devoted to contemplative depth, robust spiritual formation, sacred companionship, and the ‘good life’ lived in continuous pursuit of virtue and wisdom. We seek to walk beautifully on the Earth, in conscious interbeing, and to share the hidden bounty of the ancient spiritual inheritance we carry.
CMR is no longer affiliated with any church or religious organization, but is an independent 501(c)(3) religious non-profit. Our core mission remains the formation of serious spiritual seekers toward the ultimate aim of théōsis (‘divinization’), and the wholing of our world through contemplation, fellowship, teaching, and compassionate outreach.
The Rosarian community operates within a rhythm that consists of quarterly teachings or transmissions, monthly conferences, local (public) seasonal ‘hearth gatherings’, and annual retreats.
Formal membership and training in CMR is by invitation only, and usually involves a long discernment process, but we are working intentionally on making connection with the community more accessible. Participation in public retreats, one-on-one spiritual direction with Fr. Brendan (our founder and spiritual director), as well as The Divine Wisdom Hedge School are excellent ways to get to know the sacred work and community of CMR, and to begin a natural process of connection and companionship.