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Catholics reconnect with their faith with “Exodus” and “Fiat” programs

Exodus 90 is a spiritual exercise for men based on Christ’s roadmap to freedom through prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Photo: Supplied.

The first time a friend invited Tony Rimac to consider the Exodus 90 program, it was during the first COVID lockdown.

Though the Sydney father-of-three did not know what to expect, he accepted the call and embarked on one of the most rewarding experiences he had ever encountered.

Exodus 90 is a spiritual exercise for men based on Christ’s roadmap to freedom through prayer, asceticism, and fraternity.

Over 90 days, the program gives men the tools to take control of their life, strengthen their virtue and ultimately find deeper unity with God.

“Exodus 90 enabled me to remove the daily noise and distractions from my life and bring me to a closer relationship with Christ,” Tony said.

“Since then, I have completed the Exodus 90 challenge on two more occasions, and both times it has been rewarding.

“The readings and challenges have provided me with a different outlook on life and it has enabled me to draw strength from the Gospel into my own daily struggles, as a husband and father.”

Based on the success of Exodus90, Fiat90 was created to give an opportunity for women to grow closer to God, each other and to an authentic femininity.

Fiat90 follows the same transformative structure that combines daily prayer, fasting and intentional lifestyle sacrifices to create space for God’s grace and spiritual growth.

Fiat90 and Magnify90 follow the same transformative structure that combines daily prayer, fasting and intentional lifestyle sacrifices to create space for God’s grace and spiritual growth. Photo: Unsplash.com.

Whereas Exodus 90 takes men through daily readings from the books of Exodus and Joshua, following the story of the Israelites as they find freedom from the Egyptian Pharaoh, Fiat90 draws from the great women of the Gospels and Old Testament.

Online editor of The Catholic Weekly Christina Guzman will be taking on the challenge of Fiat90 this year after having completed it a few years ago.

“I found that it bore lots of fruit in my life, I felt closer to God during and after the experience, however over the years since then my faith hit a bit of a brick wall,” she said.

“When I heard a friend talking about it recently I decided it was something I should do to re-centre, reset and realign with God.

“I’m really hoping that through Fiat90 I will be able to lean on him more, trust and love him more as well as readily receive his love.

“We all go through those periods of time in our faith where God can feel a little distant, so I think this will be a great way to close the gap a bit.”

One of the first things you are asked to do as a participant in the Exodus 90 and Fiat90 program is write down your “Why.”

This is your personal reasoning for why you are committing to the exercise and how your personal change is at the service of both God and others.

Exodus and Fiat 90
Exodus 90 and Fiat 90 programs are designed to be done in groups of six to eight men or women respectively, with each participant relying on the moral and spiritual support of a larger fraternity or sorority who collectively would share in the highs, lows, failures and successes. Photo: Supplied.

After a few years break, Tony admits that he has fallen into some old habits and is in need of the structure, routine and discipline that comes with doing the Exodus 90 challenge.

“My daily routine has become somewhat monotonous,” said Tony.

“The distractions of the world have reappeared, such as scrolling aimlessly on social media, watching too much TV and gluttony, and I’m losing focus on what is really important in life.”

“My ‘Why’ this time around is the same as it was five years ago, to allow God to re-enter my life to give me the freedom for all earthly desires, distractions and anger within me so that I can be more present and Christ-like husband, father and friend.”

Exodus 90 and Fiat 90 programs are designed to be done in groups of six to eight men or women respectively, with each participant relying on the moral and spiritual support of a larger fraternity or sorority who collectively would share in the highs, lows, failures and successes.

Within the group, each one is paired up with another who will act as their “anchor” for the 90 days and whose daily contact will keep them accountable until they complete the challenge.

By sharing in the journey with other like-minded men and women, who are going through the same struggles in life, many leave the program making life-long friendships.

During the 90 days, both men and women combine their daily prayer routine with different degrees of asceticism, which are acts of self-denial.

Exodus and Fiat 90
During the 90 days, both men and women combine their daily prayer routine with different degrees of asceticism, which are acts of self-denial. Photo: Unsplash.com.

Asceticism is about saying “no” to lesser things such as the unnecessary use of smartphones, alcohol and excessive eating so that we are able to say “yes” when God asks greater things from us.

Though it is common for men to struggle with the cold showers or with the commitment to fasting and daily exercise, Tony found that it was the quiet time in silence that was to be the most challenging to fulfil.

“Unlike some of my fraternity brothers, I am unable to complete this task in one sitting and find it easier breaking up the task into two or three parts throughout the day, with daily rosary, contemplative prayer in either the morning and/or evening,” said Tony.

“For me, having a designated section within the house, where you can light a candle and meditate on the daily readings in silence helped.

“The first few days and weeks will be tough, but persist with it, as it will not only become easier but rewarding as well.”

Knowing her limitations, Christina has planned her disciplines according to her day and ability.

Her aim isn’t just to win over her temptation in the moment but form habits that become a part of her life.

“I know there’ll be a few things I’ll struggle with, like getting rid of social media, fasting or being consistent with a set time for prayer, but I know that God will receive my genuine disposition and help me through any struggles I may have,” said Christina.

Exodus90 and Fiat90 starts on Monday 20 January and runs until 20 April on Easter Sunday. Photo: Unsplash.com.

“He will keep me consistent and at the end of the day that’s all I can do each day—be consistent.

“I really want it to be something that I continue throughout the whole year.

“It’s not just about doing this for 90 days but disciplining myself and centring my life on God in a way that once the 90 days are done, I can carry new habits into my life that will keep me anchored to God.”

Tony echoed Christina’s desire to not just be challenged but to foster a deeper relationship with God and to live a Christ-centred life.

“Exodus 90 is something that some may do once in their lifetime but I see it as something that I will need to come back to time and time again,” said Tony.

“I see Exodus as an opportunity to get my spiritual life back on track.

“This time around I hope to overcome the earthly temptations of this material world, where everything is thrown in front of you, just so that we lose focus of what is really important.

“I hope to regain my focus on what is really important—living a Christ centred life.

“I invite you to try something different, by saying ‘Yes, the Exodus 90 challenge will be difficult.’

“But do not be afraid as nothing good comes from things that are easy in life, and do not worry if you cannot complete all the tasks perfectly, as there is no such thing as a perfect journey”.

Exodus 90 and Fiat90 starts on Monday 20 January and runs until 20 April on Easter Sunday.

For further information on Fiat 90 see fiat-90.com, and for Exodus 90 www.exodus90.com or contact Tony Rimac at [email protected].

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