When Prayer Leads the Way: My Journey to Mary’s Meals

Growing up in Scotland, I had known about Mary’s Meals from a young age. My family supported the mission and I was deeply moved by its simplicity: that a daily meal served in a place of education can change the life of a child. Long before I ever imagined working for Mary’s Meals I already carried a deep respect for the mission and the dignity it brings to children and communities around the world.

Then a friend of mine, an incredible woman of deep faith whom I admire greatly, told me she was travelling to Medjugorje. Before she left, she asked if I would like to send a letter to Our Lady. I remember joking, “How do I even address a letter to Our Lady? What’s the postage on that?” She kindly offered to take my letter and leave it on Apparition Hill as a prayer intention, so I wrote it. In that letter, I poured out everything that was on my heart, but most of all, I prayed that if I did move to Canada, I would find meaningful work – the kind that reflected the vocation God had placed on my heart. I have always felt strongly that while I may not be able to change the world alone, I can help bring people together in love, compassion, and community. My gifts are not extraordinary in worldly terms, but I believe deeply in the power of small acts done with great love. 

My friend’s journeys to Medjugorje always brought her peace. She brought me back a stone from Apparition Hill, where she placed my letter. I was so grateful for these acts of kindness. I confess though, I didn’t think much of my letter afterwards: I knew that there were much more pressing issues in the world for Our Lady, but I continued to pray.

One morning, my husband – who had been hesitant about moving for a long time – turned to me and said, “Let’s just do it. Let’s move to Canada.” I was completely shocked. From that moment onward, everything seemed to fall into place. We were told our visas could take months to process, but they were approved within two weeks. We put our house on the market, and it sold within a week. 

And then came the final piece: finding work. I came across many worthwhile roles with wonderful organisations, but none of them truly felt right. Then I saw an opportunity with Mary’s Meals. Immediately, something in my heart resonated. Mary’s Meals, a beautiful fruit of Medjugorje, represented everything I had been praying for: faith in action, protecting human dignity, community, and hope. When I interviewed for the role, I held in my hand the small rock my friend had brought back from Apparition Hill.

Today, having recently moved from Scotland to Canada, I feel deeply grateful to be part of the Mary’s Meals mission. To me, this work is far more than a job – it is a vocation rooted in faith, service, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to eat, learn, and hope.

I think that is what moves me most about Mary’s Meals. It is a mission born from prayer, sustained by faith, and lived out through simple acts of love across the world.