If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing a book, it’s patience. When you have patience, nothing stands in the way of writing a book that you’re passionate about.

I sent my first proposal to a big Catholic publisher, and a few weeks later, I received their rejection letter. In that initial shock, I felt something was in the way. After that, I remembered a colleague who shared her own story of being turned down by publishers. She told me rejection is part of the learning process, and it is reassurance that you’re still writing. Her words encouraged me. Shaking off the disappointment, I kept writing, asking questions, never giving up on the search, trusting the right publisher would come along. I networked through online Catholic platforms, posted articles, and built rapport with their editors. My heart moved me to try a respected publisher I knew through my theology professors. I didn’t get my hopes up, but I sent them my proposal and a sample of my manuscript.

In the weeks that followed, I heard the ding from my inbox, which led to a surprising reply from their editor. A publisher based in Eugene, Oregon, Wipf and Stock, accepted my proposal under their Resource Publications imprint. That was the start of finally bringing together my thoughts, meditations, and ideas about monastic life, which has had a big impact on me. I was working with a publisher who supported the journey ahead.

I asked a trusted theologian for advice, and he told me to pause and celebrate! He said getting a publisher to accept my manuscript is the hardest part; the rest is just details. He also suggested obtaining a nihil obstat and imprimatur from the Bishop of Sacramento. It never crossed my mind, so I am grateful for his suggestion!

These are Latin terms: nihil obstat means “nothing stands in the way” and imprimatur means “let it be printed.” In a digital world where anyone can self-publish online with the click of a button, these traditional ecclesiastical approvals offer a rare benchmark of credibility. The process requires a rigorous, two-step theological review. First, a diocese-appointed censor (known as a censor librorum) examines the manuscript to ensure doctrinal accuracy. For my book, I was happily surprised to learn that Abbot Paul Mark Schwan, OCSO, abbot of the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux in Vina, was assigned this initial task.

After a month-long review, the abbot found no doctrinal errors and granted a nihil obstat. This cleared the path for the final step: the Bishop’s review. Finding the theology sound, he granted the imprimatur (Latin for “let it be printed”) to my manuscript, the official Church seal of approval.

What seemed like jumping through administrative hoops was actually a major milestone for me! I was in the middle of directing our summer retreat in Lake Tahoe when the email arrived: the official church approvals—the nihil obstat and imprimatur—had been granted. Opening that email moved me deeply. Amid the many twists and turns of life, I paused to thank God that I could offer something meaningful to those seeking Him with a sincere heart. Receiving Bishop Soto’s formal blessing was the subtle proof that transposed this manuscript from a personal project to a genuine gift to the People of God as they journey in faith.

If a book has these markings, you’ll usually find them on the copyright page, along with the publication date and publisher’s details. Not every Catholic book has them, and their absence doesn’t mean a book is flawed. But when these declarations are present, it shows the author made the effort to have the book reviewed by the local Church’s highest authorities and that it passed their review.

Please enjoy this special week-long pre-sale! When you receive my book in the next few weeks, check out this little detail and celebrate with me that nothing stands in the way! Enjoy!

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The Upside-Down Kingdom explores the fourth-century Rule of the Benedictine Monastics and shows how it still matters in our digital world. The Rule celebrates its 1500th birthday in the next three years, and while many have reflected on the Rule before, this book stands out by focusing on Mount Angel Abbey in the Pacific Northwest. Through my own stories, I invite you to join me on the hilltop that has shaped my heart to be more compassionate and loving.

These short stories introduce you to the people and place etched into my heart, offering a close look at how the ancient Rule can shape our daily lives and help us build a life guided by community and service.

Early Praise

“It is gratifying for me to be able to endorse this meditation on the Rule of St. Benedict by an oblate of our monastery. Through his long association with our community, Manolito has let himself be formed in his married and professional life by the spirit of St. Benedict. He shares that here in ways that will help others to live by the same spirit in whatever way of life they seek to follow Christ.”

Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, Abbot, Mount Angel Abbey

“This book is an invitation to step away from the busyness of life and enter into both a deeply personal and refreshingly universal reflection on the Rule of St. Benedict at Mount Angel Abbey. The text brings the Abbey to life, utilizes the engaging framework of personal memoir to experience the daily monastic rhythm of prayer and work, while concurrently offering contemporary meditations on the Rule. A beautiful and engaging read.”

Myrna Keough, Professor and Director of Sacred Music, Mount Angel Seminary

Pick up your copy and find new wisdom, a fresh take on an ancient Rule, and see how it can still shape the heart of anyone open to faith.

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Reserve Your Copy

The exclusive pre-sale is open for a very short time. Secure your spot before the doors close on Saturday, August 29 at 12:00 PM.

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