Richard Rohr
Centre for Action and Contemplation
Albuquerque, NM USA
"You don’t think yourself into a new way of living—you live yourself into a new way of thinking."
Career Roadmap
Richard's work combines: Philosophy & Religion, Writing, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
We're taught that failure is bad and we should avoid experiencing it. Through my studies and experience, I've learned that not only is it okay to fail, but it's a necessary part of life. Failure is how we come into mercy, compassion, and empathy. When we fail, we let go of our ego self and are able to become our true self.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Graduate Degree
Theology/Theological Studies
University of Dayton
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born in Kansas during World War II and grew up in a conservative Catholic family.
2.
When I was 14 years old, I read about Saint Francis of Assisi and decided I wanted to be like him.
3.
I entered the Franciscans when I was 18.
4.
I studied philosophy and theology and earned my master’s degree in theology in 1970—I was ordained into the priesthood that same year.
5.
I was put in charge of youth retreats in Cincinnati, where I would preach to young men on track to graduate from Catholic high school—the work really propelled my interest in male initiation rites.
6.
After an especially memorable sermon, the retreats grew bigger and bigger, I gained a lot of recognition, and my sermons started being taped.
7.
In 1986, I founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which aims to guide those seeking to experience the Christian contemplative tradition.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
It's not okay to fail.
How I responded:
We're taught that failure is bad and we should avoid experiencing it. Through my studies and experience, I've learned that not only is it okay to fail, but it's a necessary part of life. Failure is how we come into mercy, compassion, and empathy. When we fail, we let go of our ego self and are able to become our true self.