In a world full of noise and distraction, your greatest gift is the chance to slow down and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you are guided by deep Catholic tradition or a shared devotion to life and humanity, this book is your personal sanctuary—a quiet space to breathe, reflect, and pray. Inside, you will find the gentle encouragement and clarity you need to look at your life’s journey with fresh eyes.
Discover how ancient wisdom can transform your modern life. The Upside-Down Kingdom takes you inside Mount Angel Abbey to reveal how the 1,500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict holds the key to finding peace, focus, and purpose in today’s noisy digital world. While many books discuss this ancient text, this unique guide offers an exclusive, practical look at a living monastic community to help you ground your daily life in what truly matters.
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The Upside-Down Kingdom
Living in Holiness & Sanity Through the Wisdom of Saint Benedict
Hardcover — $45
Ships October 2026.
Softcover — $25
Ships September 2026.
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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