Pray in May with Mary's Meals

Mary's Meals provides a daily meal in school to some of the world's poorest children

Mary's Meals is inviting people of faith to pray for its mission during the month of May. The charity - which is named after Our Lady - serves nutritious school meals in 20 of the world's poorest countries, many of which are impacted by conflict and natural disasters.

The promise of a good meal attracts hungry children into the classroom where, instead of working or looking for food, they can gain an education and hope for the future.

During May, the month traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the charity is asking people to pray that the work of Mary's Meals continues to flourish and grow, and that more children throughout the world will see their lives transformed by receiving a daily meal in a place of education.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary's Meals, says: "Prayer came first in the story of Mary's Meals and, for many of us, that remains the case on a daily basis. We pray knowing that this mission depends entirely on God's grace and providence, and so we need to stay joined to Him.

"Prayer is part of the daily fabric of Mary's Meals - something we wish to make space for and encourage in this diverse global family of ours.

"The month of May has for many centuries been dedicated to Mary the mother of Jesus, who is of course the patron of this mission. Regardless of whether you belong to a faith community that honours Mary in this particular month, please let this be an invitation to you to pray in a very special way for our work this month."

People can get involved in Pray In May by:

- Including a bidding prayer for Mary's Meals at Mass.
- Praying the Rosary for the charity's work.
- Encouraging their church to host a Holy Hour.
- Asking their parish groups to organise a time of prayer for Mary's Meals.

Mary's Meals has produced a series of downloadable resources to support these activities, which are available on its website.

It also offers beautiful First Holy Communion gift cards that will feed a hungry child for a year.

The charity recently announced that it is now reaching 2,279,941 children every school day.

While recognising the special place of prayer in its work, Mary's Meals consists of, respects and reaches out to people of all faiths and none.

For prayer guides, gift cards and Pray In May resources, please visit: https://marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/churches-and-prayers/pray-in-may