At the height of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Alanis Vega’s fiancé Ricky Gonzalez had a powerful re-encounter with the Lord during an Exodus 90 fast.
The experience was so great that it not only had a transformative effect on his faith but on the Florida couple’s relationship as well.
After getting engaged, Ricky wanted to do Exodus 90 again to prepare himself for the wedding which in turn inspired Alanis to embark on a similar journey with her own fast.
Found Ready is a 90-day journey for engaged women that is inspired by the structure of Exodus 90, Fiat90 and Magnify 90 to bring deep spiritual change through prayer and asceticism.
Where Alanis’ program differs from other spiritual exercises is in its Bible reading plan, disciplines and the nightly examination.
This program is not only aimed at preparing the bride’s heart for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony but also for the “eternal Wedding Feast that awaits us in Heaven”.
“Ricky’s and my deepest desire is that our wedding day, and ultimately our marriage, would be fertile ground for an encounter with the Lord,” said Alanis, who is a full-time Catholic content creator for Array of Hope Ministries in the US.
“We know that can’t happen by chance and it requires prayer and intentionality, lifting up every guest and burdening ourselves with intercession until we sense those prayers are heard.”
“This fast is our way of preparing spiritually for what God wants to do through this sacrament.”
Found Ready is deeply rooted in scripture from Revelation 19:7: ‘The bride has made herself ready, and she was allowed to wear white garments.’
This verse inspired Alanis to focus on preparing herself spiritually, not just outwardly, but inwardly with a pure heart.
“Our ultimate goal is to see our Bridegroom and for him to find us ready,” said Alanis.
“This fast is a way for us to quiet the noise of the world so we can heighten our sensitivity to his voice—his promptings and his leading as we step into this new season of life.
“It’s about creating space for intimacy with the Lord. Not to mention, entering into this difficult and vulnerable season with your bridesmaids can bear its fruits in deeper sisterhood.”
When Amy Micallef came across the Found Ready program on Alanis’ Instagram page, she had a desire to receive graces to help her and her fiancé Jordan’s future marriage and knew the program was perfect.
The Sydney local felt that it was most important to journey with Christ during Lent and saw that it was a gift that this fast reflected on the divine Bridegroom himself.
“I have done Fiat (40 days) and I found it really helped me but it is so hard. It is crucial to have someone journeying with you in this period for accountability and friendship,” said Amy.
“These kinds of programs help me a lot with discipline and I believe this is a perfect time to strip everything back and essentially have a retreat-based marriage prep.
“We are nothing without Christ. It is a beautiful and free gift to pray and to have a relationship with Christ, as when we keep our eyes on Christ both my fiancé and I are able to love each other and those around us.”
To Amy and to the newly engaged, Alanis stresses the importance of reminding oneself of the peace of Christ, especially when they feel overwhelmed and burdened by all the decisions and responsibilities that come with preparing for a wedding.
“When God called you into the vocation of marriage, He didn’t do so with the precursor to overwhelm – for his yoke is easy, and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30),” said Alanis.
“Surrender this season to him, lean on him daily and let his presence fill you with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Your engagement is not just a time of preparation for your wedding day but for the beautiful sacrament of marriage.
“Take a deep breath, entrust it all to him, and let joy, not stress, be the banner over this season. I’m offering my fast for every Catholic bride.”
For those engaged women who are interested in the 90-day fast, you can purchase a digital copy from www.etsy.com/shop/SincerelyAlanis or contact Alanis on Instagram @sincerelyalanis.