Our Lady's Ministry

About OLM

Inspiration

Our Lady’s Ministry began over 30 years ago when two cousins, Carlos Lopez Valencia & Jorge Zavala, decided to follow the inspiration they felt in their hearts and started a weekly prayer group called, “Our Lady’s Prayer Group,” in their home. As the prayer group continued to grow, it was moved to a local church in the San Francisco, California Bay Area – St. Bruno’s Church, by the invitation of the former pastor Fr. Ronald Burke.

Carlos and Jorge meeting with His Holiness John Paul II

Mission

In 1995 Our Lady’s Ministry was launched and began to take individuals on pilgrimages to many well-known and revered religious shrines throughout the world. By the early 2000s after years of discerning the call in their hearts to do more for our poor brothers and sisters, Carlos and Jorge began the organization’s hallmark mission trips to impoverished poor areas throughout the world, as a response to Our Lord’s call in Holy Scripture.

Carlos presenting His Holiness with a letter from OLM

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?... Whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

(Matthew 25:37-40)

Today

Our Lady’s Ministry continues to hold its weekly prayer group. Mission trips consist of bringing spiritual and material assistance to the poor, the orphaned, the malnourished and handicapped children, and the abandoned elderly. Countries that have suffered natural disasters, those incarcerated, and seminarians and institutions that are in most need are also helped.
Jorge kissing the Holy Father's Ring
Mission trips begin with an invitation from a clergy member requesting support of material and financial assistance for their diocese. The people under the clergy member’s responsibility are typically living in extreme poverty or have recently experienced a severe natural disaster. Our Lady’s Ministry members who attend these mission trips pay their way. Typically five to nine members travel on 8 to 10 trips per year. Private benefactors support Our Lady’s Ministry financially, materially, or by offering their voluntary help.
Carlos receives the papal blessing on behalf of Our Lady's Ministry

Impact

Our Lady’s Ministry and its lay missionaries evangelize through the Word of God and carry out the teachings, doctrines, and works of charity that conform with the Catholic Church. Our Lady’s Ministry has had the privilege and honor to have been received and invited by Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests throughout the world.

A church built in Ghana, Africa, with the help of donations from Our Lady's Ministry.
A church built in Ghana, Africa, with the help of donations from Our Lady's Ministry.

Countries Visited

Workers wearing masks distribute aid in a remote area, highlighting efforts to provide essential supplies during the pandemic.

Africa

Ghana and Uganda

A humanitarian worker assists a mother and her child in registering for aid, amidst a crowd of people seeking assistance.

Americas

USA, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Brazil

A group of people carrying their belongings walk along a brick road, reflecting the hardship and resilience of displaced communities.

Asia

The Philippines and Thailand

People stand in line, waiting to receive aid or services, highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Europe

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Make A Difference With Us

With your support and prayers, we will be able to continue to carry out the corporal works of mercy giving glory to God through His most needy children.

Click “Learn More” to see how you can make a difference with us.

Learn More

We ourselves feel that we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the Ocean would be less because of that missing drop.

(St. Teresa of Calcutta)

Ways To Give

Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

Why Your Donation Matters

Through your generosity you allow us to continue to keep this flame of love and charity alive. May it spread and reach the darkness of this world, bringing hope and light to all our brothers and sisters that are in need. On behalf of all members of Our Lady’s Ministry, we thank you and ask for your support and prayers in this ongoing mission of Love.

Interested in the impact contributions like yours make? Click Here to learn more.

Monetary Donation​

Our Lady’s Ministry relies heavily on contributions from caring and generous benefactors like yourself. We accept one-time as well as recurring donations for those who want to continue making an ongoing impact.

Donate Now

Many of our benefactors choose to donate stocks or crypto as their form of contribution. This method works best for those looking to maximize the positive impact their investments make. We also accept donations through Donor-Advised-Funds (DAF).

Donate Now

Time is the most valuable resource. Discover volunteer opportunities and offer your time to help those in need.

Take the lead and start your own fundraiser! We offer the platform you need to easily collect donations with a single link. All you need to do is start the fundraiser and share the link.

Start a Fundraiser

Find out how businesses can partner with us and make a substantial impact through corporate sponsorship.

E-Mail us at OLM@OurLadysMinistry.org

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Our Lady's Ministry is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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