The Society of African Missions is dedicated to serving the peoples of Africa and people of African descent around the world. We hope your visit to our website will tell you more about the SMA, about Africa and its people, and interest you in supporting our missionaries and their communities in Africa.

Superior General congratulates Irish SMA members and supporters

The SMA Superior General, Fr Jean-Marie Guillaume, has sent a Message on the occasion of Centenary of the foundation of the Irish Province, which took place on 15 May 1912.

In his Message, Fr Guillaume congratulates the Irish members "for having been in the forefront of the SMA adventure during this time. The Irish SMA members have contributed immensely to the development of the Society and to its missionary spirit, as well as to the work of evangelization in Africa."

Referring to the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first SMA missionaries in Nigeria Fr Guillaume writes: "If the Church exists as she does in western and northern Nigeria, it is due mainly to the faith, enthusiasm, know-how and dedication of our Irish SMA missionaries."

Paying tribute to the immense network of supporters in Ireland he writes: "These friends love the SMA and the work its members do and they are happy to help them with their prayers and financial donations. The immense support from the people of Ireland allows the Irish Province to participate immeasurably in the development of the Society" so that we can train our seminarians in Africa and Asia and provide for them as priests on mission.

He concludes, "Peace, hope and joy to the Irish Province and all its members, supporters and friends on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its existence."

Read the full Message here.

Read more about the early years of the Irish Province here.

Two new SMA bishops appointed

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has appointed two SMA priests to serve as bishops in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Holy Father also appointed two other bishops for the Central African Republic.

Father Nestor Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia SMA is to serve as the Bishop of Bossangoa. Read a brief biography here.

Father Dennis Kofi Agbenyadzi SMA is to be the Bishop of Berbérati. Read a brief biography here.

It is expected that the Episcopal Ordination will take place on 28 July 2012 in Bangui, capital of CAR, with Cardinal Fernando Filoni as the Principal celebrant.

In his letter announcing the SMA appointments, the SMA Superior General, Fr Jean-Marie Guillaume, writes: "The choice of our two brothers as future bishops is an immense honour for us in the Society of African Missions and is a mark of the confidence that the Church has in us and for this we give thanks. These nominations are also a challenge and a very great responsibility that demands sensitivity and faith. I promise them the support of our entire Missionary Society and the prayerful support of all our SMA members. May the Good Shepherd, whose image is often evoked in this Easter season, support and guide them so that they themselves will be able to guide the People of God entrusted to them."

We wish Bishops-elect Agbenyadzi, Nongo-Aziagbia, Nzapalainga (to be Archbishop of Bangui) and Yapauta (to be Co-adjutor of Alindao) every blessing in the years ahead.

Annual Knock Pilgrimage - 26 May 2012

The Annual SMA / OLA Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Saturday, 26 May 2012.

This, the 32nd Pilgrimage, will be part of the Centenary celebations of the establishment of the Irish Province as a separate unit of the Society.

In preparation for the Pilgrimage the Annual Novena in honour of Our Lady will be celebrated at 7.30pm each evening at St Joseph's SMA Parish Church, Blackrock Road, Cork from Friday 18 May to Friday 25 May.

Those unable to attend can join in the Novena by reciting the Novena Prayers each day. Read the Prayers here.

In his Message to SMA supporters on the occasion of this Pilgrimage the SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Facthna O'Driscoll, writes of the inter-connectedness of Forgiveness and Eucharist, especially at Knock Shrine. Read his Message and how to join in the Novena here.