Manny is a dynamic Catholic advocate with a personal zeal for intentional relationship building, strategic collaboration, and prayerful stewardship. He particularly carries a heart of solidarity for persons with LGBTQ+ experiences and those who love them. From Franciscan University Steubenville, he earned his bachelor's degree in Social Work and his master's degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. In his role at Eden Invitation, Manny is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive funding program rooted in relationship. That includes major gifts, grant writing, and ongoing donor stewardship and empowerment. He’s always asking the question: “How can we expand our community of solidarity in support of Eden Invitation’s vision and mission?”
"On the Porch" with Manny
We’re more than what we do or what we’ve done– we’re unrepeatable people with unique stories to tell.
So if you have a moment, pull up a chair on our metaphorical porch here and get to know us a bit more!
How have you seen God moving in your life?
My journey Upwards thus far has been nothing short of a beautiful, messy venture.
There was a time when I was not formally pursuing my Catholic faith. There were many years when I truly despised God and the Church. Even now, I have a great deal of moments (and seasons) when I struggle to give Him my everything.
Nevertheless, Christ has never ceased to hold me close to His heart through it all. Amidst all my various experiences, laments, joys, dreams, and fears, Jesus cares so well for me.
I’ve encountered God in those who love me and those who I have the privilege of loving in return. I notice His craftsmanship in the trees outside and the sunbeams warming against my face. I glimpse His face in the Eucharist.
Whether realized immediately or overtime, I try to see the Lord’s movements in every part of my story; my highest peaks and my lowest, ugliest parts.
He is present with me in all of it.
Who has inspired you on this Journey to Heaven? Patron Saints, role models, cool authors?
Along the Way, I’ve found myself inspired by countless individuals and movements.
For starters, my family has had an undeniably huge influence on my love for Jesus and Catholicism. If it weren’t for the ongoing prayers and spiritual formation that I actively receive from my dad, my mom, and my paternal grandparents, I’m not sure I’d be the disciple I am today. Furthermore, the hearts of my siblings and nieces constantly teach me new things about the heart of Christ.
I’m also *admittedly* a massive saint-nerd. As the years have passed, my spiritual table of “saint friends” (those in Heaven who have made their pursuit of friendship with me apparent) only continues to grow. As of now, my heavenly clan is as follows (though subject to expand): St. Therese of Lisieux, Servant of God Rhoda Wise, Mother Angelica (not yet in the canonization process), St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Irma Dulce, St. Carlo Acutis, St. Chiara Badano, Bishop Fulton Sheen, St. Padre Pio (my patron!), St. Patrick, St. Faustina, St. Charles Lwanga, St. Jose Gregorio Hernandez, Servant of God Michelle Duppong, and St. John the Baptist.
Other notable influences: Henri Nouwen, St. John the Beloved, and Bob Lesnefsky.
What’s a beautiful part of your job? Perhaps something that people may not see from the surface level of your job description?
My job goes so much deeper than merely convincing people in the pews to support Eden Invitation.
Sure, my position requires me to testify to the goodness that God is accomplishing in Eden Invitation (and in the wider Church as a result) and to invite others to formally go on mission with us.
Beyond that, however, my role gives me the invaluable opportunity to be introduced to and be involved with a variety of stories and perspectives from all corners. In getting to know each mission partner, I am privileged to understand the WHY behind their respective support: why a space like Eden Invitation matters to them, how they might personally relate with LGBT+ topics/experiences, what they’ve learned along the Way, etc.
It’s all much bigger than simply gathering donors and supporters; it’s about cultivating ongoing relationships with fellow wanderers who seek the same Heaven as I do for ourselves and those we love.
This is a great honor to be a part of.
You've shared your witness as a striving disciple with an LGBTQ+ experience for a number of years. Can you share a glimpse of your experiences there?
How can people be praying for you and your work?
Your intercession on our behalf is such a gift and does not go unnoticed!
Would you please pray for my ongoing authenticity and sincerity in my work with Eden Invitation? I hope to always carry eyes that foremost SEE the unrepeatable human person before me, regardless of their formal commitment (or lack thereof) to our mission.
Thank you for praying for us. Know that we’re praying for you!
Porch Events are opportunities for people to get to know our community better. If we did a Potluck for a Porch Event, what are you bringing?
If I were bringing something for a Porch Potluck, I’d probably end up bringing a freshly baked batch (or two…or more) of my favorite homemade cookies! It’s a recipe that I got from one of my best friends; it’s intentionally flexible for gluten and dairy intolerance.
I, for one, hear “gluten-free” and “dairy-free” associated with any desert dish and immediately assume the worst. I can promise you, however, that you won’t be disappointed by these cookies I’ll be bringing. They’re a hit.
Book Clubs are centered on walking together as striving Disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, usually reading a spiritual classic or Eden Invitation blogs. BUT if you could do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people, on ANY book, which book would you choose?
It’s still a spiritual classic, but…
I’d love to do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people on St. Therese of Lisieux’s “Story of a Soul”!
I haven’t read “Story of a Soul” in years, though I’m sure that revisiting it with Eden Invitation people would be both spiritual edifying and just overall enriching.
There’s something about the littleness and grit of St. Therese that so many disciples, especially those of us with LGBT+ experiences, can uniquely relate to! I’d thoroughly enjoy diving deeper into that with my friends and people at Eden Invitation.
We love seeing the beloved and unrepeatable talents of our Community and Pastoral Team during our Retreat TalenTED show! What would you do for TalenTED?
I don’t want to spoil too many details of my mastermind ideas, because I hope to participate in an Eden Invitation TalenTED sooner than later…
However, I can confirm that I LOVE doing lip-sync acts to classic songs that everybody knows. Choreography with the song is also a must.
If you could go on a Community Weekend, a kind of “family vacation” with your Hearth Group, to ANYWHERE in the world, where would you want to go?
If I could go anywhere in the world with my Hearth Group, I’d probably want to bring them to Puerto Rico with me.
My family (on both sides) is from Puerto Rico and a lot of them currently live on the island. Hence, I’ve visited Puerto Rico many times and am pretty familiar with the culture, cuisine, etc. It’d be such a treat to show Eden Invitation people all the in’s and out’s of the island, from the salty savory foods to its beautiful beaches!
It’s time for Toasts! When we raise a glass to celebrate God’s Graces in our lives, what bevvy are you lifting up?
For my toast beverage, I’m going to lift up a warm cup of hot chocolate! Marshmallows are otherwise optional.
What’s your favorite piece of EI gear?
Call me “biased”, but I think the Eden Invitation gear collection as a whole is pretty epic.
However, if I had to choose, my favorite piece of Eden Invitation gear is probably the Vintage Embroidered Corduroy Cap (with the Eden Invitation Triangles). The cap (especially the black cap) is not only easy to match with practically anything, but it’s also a stylish solution for bad hair days.
Additionally, along with just looking cool, our Two-Triangle logo has awesome meaning behind it. Be sure to check it out!
We love building playlists for each year’s Retreat theme– what are some top songs on your playlists?
My playlists are constantly changing and evolving. As of now though, my top songs are: