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Priest murdered in Bangui

According to a news report from Agenzia Fides the murderers of a priest at Our Lady of Fatima parish church in Bangui, the...
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Bishop Kukah ordains 5 SMA deacons in Ibadan

Vocations to the missionary priesthood may have declined in Ireland but this is not so in Africa. This is the time of the year when...

Asylum seekers deserve the right to cook for themselves

Asylum seekers deserve the right to cook for themselvesTue 27th May  Yet another article critical of the Direct Provision system. This one, from the...

SMA bishop calls for action by peacekeepers

Following his recent kidnapping and subsequent release, the bishop of Bossangoa, Rt Rev Nestor Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia, SMA, has called on the International Forces including the...

Bomb explosions will not stop dialogue between Christians and Muslims

According to a news report from Agenzia Fides Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, Nigeria, has stated that “the situation is still confusing and...

We are in an open-pit prison held hostage by violent people

According to a news report from Agenzia Fides the Bishops of the Central African Republic  see their country as "an open-pit prison, where...

Call to end Direct Provision system

Call to end the Direct Provision System.A conference on the issues facing asylum seekers has heard children as young as 11 have threatened suicide...

No more room for explanations, let alone excuses – Cardinal Onaiyekan

His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria has released the following letter, dated 5 May 2014, entitled 'Let evil not prevail' warning of the dangers...
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Are we a racist nation?

Are we a Racist Nation?There are more people living in “Direct Provision Centres” in this country than in prison! At the start of...

Rebels wanted to kill me

FIDES, the Information Service of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has published an interview with the SMA Bishop of Bossangoa,...

African Rip-Off again…

Once again we see that 'rip-offs' in Africa are in a healthy state. And as usual it is the western companies with the comlpicity...
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SMA’s in Benin-Niger hold Regional Assembly

The 2014 Benin-Niger Regional Assembly took place at the Brésillac Centre, Calavi, Benin Republic in February 2014. Our group photograph shows how...

Conflict Resolution essential for Africa

Trocaire, the Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Resolution and NUI Maynooth are hosting an afternoon conference at the National University of Ireland at...

Economic boom in Africa

Africa is, believe it or not, going through an economic boom based on foreign investment in its natural resources. In oil-rich Nigeria 70% of...

More asylum seekers in ‘direct provision’ than prisoners in jail

More asylum seekers in ‘direct provision’ than prisoners in jail.  Irish Times 3 April 2014.  Link to yet another article critical of the Direct...

The Globalisation of Indifference

 “The Globalisation of Indifference”.. On the Island of Lampedusa last October and following the drowning of many migrants Pope Francis said:  “Who is responsible...

Wilton parish Golf Classic 2014

SMA GOLF CLASSIC 2014   Lee Valley Golf & Country Club 29 May Contact Ann Cronin on (021) 4341362 for information on Cost and...

Pankshin: Nigeria’s 56th diocese is born

In a News Report published by FIDES - the News Agency for the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, we learnt that Pope Francis has...

UN praises Church’s support for refugees

The UN Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Antonio Guterres, has said that the role of the Catholic Church is invaluable in keeping refugees safe. The...

2014 Wilton SMA Parish Mission

The Parish Team and Parish Assembly have been working together since October 2013 planning the Parish Mission. The Mission will be conducted by The Redemptorist...

CAR crisis is political and military, not religious according to the Imam of Bangui

According to FIDES - the News Service of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - the Imam of Bangui has called for all...

Peacebuilding through songs and humour

Last year, the Dromantine Conference and Retreat Centre, Newry, hosted a unique event, drawing together the music and stories of Tommy Sands and Willie Drennan. Over 110...
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The Central African Republic and the prospects for peace

Fr Nelson Adjei-Bediako, from Ghana, is an SMA priest. During his seminary years he spent time studying and working in his home country as...
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One of the best-kept secrets

There persists within popular culture a belief that Catholic priests live lonely and unhappy lives. Furthermore, the commitment of a celibate lifestyle by clergy...

Harden not your Hearts

                                                                                              Harden not your HeartsFebruary, traditionally the first month of spring in ancient Ireland, still looks...
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Archbishop Abegunrin installed

With a light harmattan haze enveloping Ibadan, crowds converged from every direction on the grounds of SS Peter and Paul Seminary on Friday, 24...

What a cause for celebration!

SMA Bishop Nestor Nongo-Aziagbia of Bossangoa in the Central African Republic has spoken of his hope that with the departure of President Michel Djotodia...
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Journeying to SMA priesthood

"Much of what is contained within is not confined to SMA so it is a book of huge relevance to all those preparing for...

A story of the Little Flower of Lisieux

St. Thérèse was born in Alencon in France on 2nd January, 1873. She was the last of nine children, four of whom had already...
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Berengario Cermenati – Lokoja launching

In keeping with the Advent theme of the day, ‘Gaudete Sunday’, the congregation at Sunday Mass in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Lokoja...
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The power of a Motswana smile

The power of a Motswana smile On Sunday, 8 December 2013, Fr Noel Gillespie SMA launched his book, An African Village – The story...
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Advent celebrations from 4am!

Advent in the Philippines - Simbang Gabi Masses   Worshippers arriving at 4am for Mass in Good Shepherd Church The Filipino way of preparing...
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Sr Kathleen McGarvey OLA bids Adieu to Nigeria

Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese recently hosted a celebration to honour two Sisters who have served the Catholic Church in Nigeria for...
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Signs of the Times

Signs of the TimesThe record breaking and terrifying Typhoon Haiyan which swept with such destructive force across the centre of the Philippines last month...
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Centenary celebrations in Ekiti diocese

Fr Des Corrigan recently returned from the concluding ceremonies marking the coming the Catholic Faith to Ekitiland in western Nigeria. There was much to celebrate...
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Montana parish reaches out to SMA Philippines

Fr Michael O'Leary has had a varied missionary life, working in both rural and urban settings in Liberia and now working in Pretoria, South...

Philippines: necessity is the mother of invention…

Fr Gus O'Driscoll continues to channel aid to two parishes in Tacloban - Leyte, thanks to the donations arriving through our Donate Online facility....

Philippines needs YOUR help

The SMA has had a presence in the Philippines for nearly 30 years. Our principal purpose in going to the Philippines was to recruit...

needs

Fr Gus gives us an update on how Fr German is still unable to reach his family and how Good Shepherd parish is reaching out...

FOA Summer project in Zambia

On 4 June 2013 the first of the Friends of Africa’s (FOA) summer volunteers set off on an exciting and memorable six week volunteering...

I was a strager and you did not make me welcome

I was a strager and you did not make me welcome - Mt 25:43  ReflectionThe practice of granting asylum to people fleeing persecution in...

African Link – Newsletter of SMA Laity groups

The "African Link" Newsletter is a source of information and communication for the Laity Groups linked to different SMA houses in Ireland. The primary purpose of  the...
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Irish SMA priest wins international award

The Caring Institute (USA), led by Senators Bob Dole and Tom Daschle, promotes the values of caring, integrity and public service, believing that behind...

History of St Joseph’s SMA Parish, Wilton

The Parish includes Lower Bishopscourt, Donscourt, Cardinal Court, Wilton Court & Manor, Clashduv & Riverview Estate, Sandymount, Southbury Road, Summerstown, Green Park, Wilton Lawn...
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Apostolic Work Congress 2013

The Society of Apostolic Work was founded in 1923 by Agnes McAuley and a small band of young women who gathered in Belfast with...

The Adult Spirituality of St Therese

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Michael McCabe, celebrated Mass on the 9th evening of the National Novena in honour of St Therese in Blackrock Road,...

Climate Change – Migration and St Francis

A recent SMA Justice Briefing wrote about Climate Change and its implications for Africa.  It is also an issue that has a direct bearing...
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Justice Section Sitemap

JUSTICE SECTION SITEMAPTo navigate the Justice section of the SMA Website just click on the links below JUSTICE ISSUES   Climate Change Africa -...
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Working for Justice – The Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.

  Working for Justice - The Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation  P.O. Box 827-00606 Nairobi Kenya.  Aims and Objectives To implement training workshops and...
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An Experience to remember – ASLFL Conference

Esther Ade-Adeleye is a student at the Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria. This school was founded by the Sisters of Our Lady of...
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An Indian missionary in Nigeria

Fr Dominic Maria Anthuvan was born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India in September 1980, the 2nd of three children. Even though India still has...

A situation of grave injustice

Reflection for September 2013 During the past six months or so various national newspapers have carried reports regarding the situation of asylum seekers in Ireland.  ...

A Collection of Statistics

A collection of statistics regarding the developing world. 20% of the world’s population are currently using 85% of the world’s resources. The...
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Evidence for climate change

EVIDENCE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),working within the UN Framework on Climate Change, is the most widely accepted authoritative body...
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GLOBAL ARMS TRADE – an overview

GLOBAL CONFLICT AND THE ARMS TRADE - an overview Worldwide, in 2016 $1,759 billion was spent on weaponry, making it by far the largest...

Boko Haram attacks continue

The Islamic fundamentalist sect - Boko Haram - is continuing their attacks on both Christians and Muslims. Their recent attack on a Mosque in Konduga...
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FVC – Family Vocations Community

The SMA Family Vocations Community (FVC) was established in the African Missions College, Dromantine in 1959 to support the missionary work of the SMA....

MAC – Missionary Association Cards

The work of SMA missionaries relies on the prayers and financial support of our supporters. From the beginning of the 20th century the Irish...

Message for the end of Ramadan 2013 – Pope Francis

Message for the end of Ramadan 2013 Each year, the Vatican issues a message to Muslims, to mark the end of Ramadan.  This year...

Criticism of the Direct Provision System grows

Criticism of  the Direct Provision System grows In the last five weeks  there have been at least nine separate articles in Irish Newspapers critical...

“Never tire” of working for solidarity and social justice”

“Never tire” of working for solidarity and social justice”. At a time when we are bombarded with news of economic doom and gloom, conflicts...

justice Issues Arms Treaty

An Arms Trade Treaty at last:  In 2014 and after seven years of negotiations the UN General Assembly has finally agreed a binding ARMS...
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Africa Land Grab

The latest SMA Justice Briefing on the topic of Land Grabbing in Africa is now available. Read more

Solidarity or Indifference

Reflection for August 2013In July 2013 Pope Frances took off for his first visit outside the Vatican to the small island of Lampedusa,...
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Ballygawley school reaches out to Zambia school children…

Psalm 94 admonishes the people for their hard-heartedness: "For forty years I was wearied of these people, And I said: 'Their hearts are astray,...
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Working for Justice – 25 Years for Justice and Peace

AFRICA EUROPE FAITH AND JUSTICE NETWORK (AEFJN) Motivated by Christian faith, a profound respect for human dignity and a priority...
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Working for justice, peace and understanding between Christians and Muslims

Working for justice, peace and understanding between Christians and MuslimsSince the Second Vatican Council Dialogue with people of other religions and particularly with Muslims...

Working for Justice

Working for Justice     Working for Justice Peace and Understanding between Christians and Muslims. A report on work being done both here in Ireland by...
Dialogue-Sr.Kathleen

Working for Justice (2)

Working for Justice     Working for Justice Peace and Understanding between Christians and Muslims.  A report on work being done both...

Call for reform of Direct Provision System

Calls for Reform of the Direct Provision System Irish Times 24 July 2013 Another call to reform Direct Provision System. In addition to the recent...

Pope Francis Prays for Asylum Seekers

Pope Francis prays for Asylum seekersDuring a visit to the Island of Lampedusa in southern Italy, the place where thousands of asylum seekers arrive...

A stubborn individualist with a contentious streak

This is one of the assessments of Rev Dr Edmund Hogan, SMA Provincial Archivist, in Cross and Scalpel - Jean-Marie Coquard among the Egba...
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Brief Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

Brief Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching Source: http://homelinks.dor.org/linkservid/E8F3CBF5-9A66-E67D-4D91B01BD5EBF91B/showMeta/0/  What is Catholic Social Teaching? Catholic Social Teaching (also known as Catholic Social Doctrine) sums up the teachings...

2013 Trafficking in Persons Report

2013 Trafficking in Persons ReportArticle written by David Lohan, co-author of the Cois Tine Publication: "OPEN SECRETS, an Irish perspective on Trafficking and Witchcraft."The...
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2013 Golden Jubilee homily

Fr Dan Cashman preached at the Thanksgiving Mass on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the 1963 Ordination class. The Mass took place on...
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2013 Silver Jubilee homily

When Fr. John Dunne asked me to give the homily at the Silver Jubilee Mass this year, I was at first hesitant because I...

Don’t go back to work, and above all, don’t go home!

  Reflection for July 2013  Imagine waking up one morning, doing the usual routine, breakfast, helping to get the children out to school and setting...

Refugees are the invisible people of our time

According to Fr Mauro Armanino, an Italian member of the Society of African Missions (SMA), "refugees are the invisible people of our time." Fr Mauro,...

Ireland rejects more asylum seekers than most European Countries

Ireland rejects more asylum seekers than most European Countries19 June 2013: This article from the Journal.ie presents the latest statistics showning the continuing decline...

Four churches burned in Borno State, Nigeria

According to the Vatican News Agency - Agenzia Fides - Four churches were burned in an attack probably committed by members of the jihadist group Boko...
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IRISH BISHOPS on the G8 Summit

IRISH BISHOPS on the G8 Summit – June 2013During their recent meeting in Maynooth Irish Bishops noted that the forthcoming G8 summit will be...
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JUSTICE NEWS

JUSTICE NEWS  - "In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails."  Psalm 71This page contains links to additional justice and...

Auxiliary bishop of Niamey installed

Bishop Djalwana Laurent Lompo was ordained as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Niamey (Niger) on Sunday, 9 June 2013. He will assist Archbishop Michel Cartateguy...

One World, One Future

Mission Today & Tomorrow was the theme of a recent conference aiming to address the reality of modern day mission, the work of missionaries...

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Silver Jubilees 2013 Cork – homily

Fr Malachy Flanagan SMA (pictured below) preached at the Mass to celebrate the Silver Jubilees of Ordination of Fathers Chris Brennan, Damian Bresnahan, Tommy...
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Reflection June

REFLECTION FOR JUNE 2013Recently it was discovered that, due to human activity, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere was 2% higher...

Justice Issues Arms Control

ARMS CONTROL Arms proliferation in Africa has happened for three reasons: because weapons and ammunition are illegally imported. because weapons imported legally are then illicitly...
AFRICA Justice

JUSTICE ISSUES

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ISSUES THAT EFFECT THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF AFRICANS Climate Change:  Africans are already feeling the...

RESOURCES

JUSTICE RESOURCES Prayer Guideline for the Eradication of Poverty can be used by Schools, Parishes or concerned Groups based on the theme the Eradication...

PRAYER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

                                         PRAYER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE “Here is my servant, the one I uphold; my chosen, who brings me...

Funeral of Archbishop Michael Francis

The funeral of the late Archbishop Emeritus of Monrovia, Most Rev Michael Francis, took place in Monrovia, Liberia on Saturday, 1 June. The Archbishop, who died peacefully in his...
Ibadan-Diaconate-2013

The changing face of the SMA

On Saturday 11th of May, nine deacons were ordained for the SMA at the SMA Formation House, Bodija, Ibadan by Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of...

SMA Bight of Benin District-in-formation 2013

The Bight of Benin District-in-formation covers the territory of Bénin Republic, Niger, Nigeria and the Central African Republic.           Bight of Benin DF Superior Fr Reginald Nwachukwu (Nigeria) Vice-SuperiorFr...

Women’s Interfaith Council speaks on peace issues

Interfaith Council of Muslim and Christian Women’s Association (a.k.a. Women’s Interfaith Council – WIC) Seminar on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 held...

Mary helps us to grow, to face life, and to be free

On Saturday, 4 May 2013, Pope Francis returned to take possession of the Basilica of St. Mary Major with the traditional kiss of the crucifix. The day...
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2013 Holy Communions photos

We present a selection of photos taken at the Thanksgiving Procession & Mass on the parish feastday, 1 May, commemorating our patron, St Joseph....

BARGAINS COST MORE THAN WE PAY

The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim.5:18 We all get a thrill when we find a good bargain, whether it's clothes, fruit and...
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SMA General Council 2013

The 40 delegates attending the SMA General Assembly have elected the Leadership team who will guide the Society for the coming six years, up...

Seventh Report – 27 April

To see me is to see the Father Saturday, 27 April, was the anniversary of the independence of Togo and we had a special thought...

XX General Assembly – 22 April 2013 homily

This is the account of the 14th day of our SMA General Assembly - Monday, 22 April 2013. We continued Working group reflections...

Fr Richard Wall 80th birthday celebration

Monsignor Joseph P Omesa delivered the homily on the occasion of the 80th Birthday celebration for Father Richard Wall by the Catholic diocese of...

Third Report XX SMA General Assembly

The SMA, for what mission ? A week after the start of the General Assembly this is the question which the delegates are now trying to...

XX SMA General Assembly Reports

The XX SMA General Assembly is into its final week of deliberations. This week the delegates will elect the Vicar General and Councillors to...

If God calls you to be a missionary don’t stoop to be a King

On Saturday, the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Lagos remembered the celebration of the first Mass in modern times in Nigeria. The celebrant...

New Life – Alleluia Alleluia

The hours of daylight are at last getting longer. The return of light and of sun was anxiously awaited in early human society and...
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Fr Billy O’Sullivan SMA – Funeral homily

The family and many friends of the late Fr Billy O'Sullivan SMA gathered with his SMA confreres for his concelebrated Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 27 March...

The Flower of Friendship

The Flower of Friendship There is a flower that blossomsIn the meadows of the heart. I met this flower out in a field Out...
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Philippines District-in-formation 2013

The Philippines The Philippines District-in-formation (DF) was formally erected in May 2001. The number of Philipino members of the Society was judged sufficient to be able to function as...
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First Mass of Fr Borghero in Lagos celebrated

The Church in Lagos came out in style on Saturday 9 March 2013, at St Leo’s Ikeja, to commemorate with the SMA the first...
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“The weak can never forgive.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”, Mahatma Gandhi. We are often amazed and moved by stories about forgiveness. ...
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SMA in South Africa – 1870’s and 1980’s

The Society of African Missions has very deep roots in South Africa. The first SMA priests (from France) went on mission there in 1873,...
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Cross and Scalpel now available online

Copies of Dr Edmund Hogan's book on Fr Jean-Marie Coquard are now available for sale through the African Book Collective and Amazon.com. This most...

Mrs Katie Oruwariye laid to rest

SMA priests and seminarians gathered on 1 February last to say a final farewell to a greatly beloved member of the wider SMA family,...
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Interview – Cork City Community Radio

Interview on Cork City Community Radio Following the publication of the new Muslim Christian Dialogue Resource  “A Journey Together”   Nura Haji and Gerry Forde, who researched...
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A Saint for Our Time and a Saint of Sudan

 A Saint for Our Time and a Saint of Sudan One of the shocking realities of our age is the fact that today more people...

A Life Transformed

A Life Transformed As a slave Bakhita endured a saga of trauma, abuse and torture. She had many masters and suffered much. Yet, as...
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From Slavery to Freedom

From Slavery to Freedom    Josephine Bakhita was born in Darfur, Sudan in 1869.  Kidnapped at the age of seven, she was sold...

Dromantine Retreats programme 2013

The Dromantine Conference & Retreat Centre is offering a variety of Retreats (Preached and Directed), Workshops and Recollection Days in 2013. There are 5 Directed retreats (of...
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Beefburgers? – Who Pays

Beefburgers? – Who Pays The recent discovery of horse DNA in some beef burgers produced in Ireland raise questions way beyond finding the source...

Boko Haram ceasefire?

FIDES, the News Agency for the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, quoting an article on the Nigerian Tribune website, is reporting that part of the Islamic...
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A Journey Together – remarks of Fr Fachta O’Driscoll

I am very happy to be here this evening and to be part of this unique event. To the best of my knowledge this...
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A Journey Together

Cois Tine, part of the SMA Justice Office, launched A Journey Together, a unique resource to assist Muslim-Christian cooperation on 16 January 2013. There was...
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Click here to enter resource

This resource is aimed at both Muslims and Christians in Ireland.  It promotes the development of mutual respect, understanding and...

Conflict intensifies in the Central African Republic

Central African Republic conflict widens FIDES, the News Agency of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples reports that "South Africa has sent about...

Dialogue Resource

 
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CHAPTER 6 RESOURCES

CHAPTER 6: RESOURCES GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE:  These guidelines written by Dr Kenneth Cracknell, a Methodist scholar and theologian, were among the...
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CHAPTER 5 FOCUS ON IRELAND

CHAPTER 5: FOCUS ON IRELAND A major change that has occurred during the last decade is the growing presence of Muslims, who now...
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CHAPTER 4: ENGAGING IN DIALOGUE

CHAPTER 4: ENGAGING IN DIALOGUE For most people, involvement in dialogue between Muslims and Christians will take place in the ordinary passage of...
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CHAPTER 3: DIFFERENT KINDS OF DIALOGUE

CHAPTER 3:DIFFERENT KINDS OF DIALOGUE Dialogue is a means of building the openness, understanding and trust needed for Christians and Muslims to live and...
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CHAPTER 2: WHAT OUR FAITH (ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY) TEACHES

NOSTRA AETATEThe Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore theone God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-...

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE?

Interreligious Dialogue is defined as: "All positive and constructive interreligious relations with individuals andCommunities of faith which are directed at...
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FOREWORD – Sheikh Umar al-Qadri

FOREWORDThe world has become a global village where happenings in one part of the world have their bearing on the...
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FOREWORD – Bishops John Buckley and Paul Colton

FOREWORD During the last fifty years Interfaith Dialogue has been recognised as an integral part of the life of the...
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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements MUSLIM CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE PROJECT STEERING GROUP MEMBERS   Kathy O’ConnorChairperson, Integration Centre Southwest Integration Officer  Emer McCarthySecretary and  Cork...
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A Journey Together Intro

INTRODUCTIONThis publication is aimed at Muslims and Christians living in Ireland and is meant as a resource that will help us understand, respect...

Blessed are the peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers The renowned Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh was once asked this question: “Who caused the war in...
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Jean-Marie Coquard: a brief biography

Jean-Marie Coquard was born in the Diocese of Nantes in France in 1859, spent some time in the merchant navy, tried unsuccessfully to join...
AB Sisters Nurses SMA Coquard

Cross and Scalpel now available on Amazon and ABC

It was a glorious ‘Gaudete’ gathering at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Abeokuta on Sunday, 16th December, 2012 when SMA Fathers and Abeokuta Diocesan priests...

Prayer for Justice and Peace

PRAYER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE “Here is my servant, the one I uphold; my chosen, who brings me delight. I’ve...
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2012 Parish Carol Service

The Cork Sick Poor Society, probably the oldest charitable society in Cork City, benefited from a Christmas Carols Service held at St Joseph's SMA Parish,...
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Good Shepherd parish – December 2012

Good Shepherd Parish - December 2012   The Good Shepherd parish (GSP) in Las Pinas City (Metro Manila) celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2011....

Missionary simplicity today

As we approach the 156th anniversary celebration of the founding of the SMA, we feel called to take stock of our missionary commitment to...

An uncertain future

  What is it like to be an asylum seeker, forced to leave all that you love?  It is to end up a...

Muslim Christian relations are good, according to new Cardinal

Cardinal-elect John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja participated in a Press Conference on the eve of the Consistory which will see him become the third...

Africa-Ireland: Muslim Christian Dialogue

The latest Justice Briefing: SMA Justice Briefing #19 is now available.  It looks at the vital role of dialogue between Christians and Muslims both here in...
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Great Lakes DF has a new headquarters

The new Headquarters for the Great Lakes District-in-Formation (GLDF) was officially opened on Saturday, 20 October 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya. The GLDF...
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Homily preached at Official Opening of Great Lakes Headquarters

Homily preached by Fr Tom Curran, SMA General Councillor, at the official opening of the Great Lakes District-in-formation Chapel, House and Administration block on...
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Fr Mattie O’Connell celebrates 80th birthday

The Bishop of Ondo, Rt Rev Jude Arogundade, the bishop-emeritus Rt Rev Francis Alonge joined with diocesan and SMA priests to celebrate the 80th...

Church bombing in Kaduna

St Rita’s Catholic Church in the Malali area of Kaduna City was very badly damaged in a suicide bomb attack on Sunday, 28 October,...

Articles and other Resources

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Protecting Victims -Responding to Trafficking

NEED TO PROTECT VICTIMS: While Ireland has gone some way to enacting suitable laws  and policing it still lacks the policies and support structures for...
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TRAFFICKING

TRAFFICKING The situation in Ireland: The 2008 US State Dept “Trafficking in Persons Report” said “Ireland is a destination country for women, men, and...

Nigeria has a new Cardinal

Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria has been appointed a member of the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI. Along wth five...

Mission Sunday Saints

Mission Sunday 2012 saw the canonisation of seven new Saints by Pope Benedict XVI. According to FIDES, the News Agency for the Congregation for the Evangelization...
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Fr Basil Soyoye SMA

Fr Basil Soyoye : the life of an SMA priest today - Basil Babatunde Soyoye was born on 6 June 1964 to Benedict and...
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SCIPTURE SPEAKS TO OUR REALITY

 “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. “  Mother Teresa.   Deuteronomy 10:19   You shall love...
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Badagry Ordination 2012

Badagry celebrates its 4th  SMA priest When Fr Francesco Borghero SMA celebrated the first Mass in Badagry on the 2 October 1863 he could hardly have...
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Knocking on the Door

This Booklet is in two parts. The first looks briefly at what the Church teaches about interreligious dialogue with Muslims.  The second part,...
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Overview of Islam

AN OVERVIEW OF ISLAMAccording to the 2011 Census, almost 50,000 Muslims in Ireland. Yet most of the Irish population have very...

Famine, Water – from Syria to Jordan

It's sobering to realise that in the 1840's it was weather like we've had this past summer that paved the way for the...
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Tanzania

  There are 16 priests (14 SMA & 2 Priest Associates) and 5 Lay Associates working in Tanzania in 2012     ...
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Ibadan Eucharistic Congress 2012

The Archdiocese of Ibadan will hold its Eucharistic Congress from 9 -16 September 2012. Many celebrations are planned for the occasion, including the ordination...

Inspiration

Mo Farah is now a household name. But not until this year's Olympic Games in London, where he won two gold medals in running...
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Ramadan follow-up Event

Ramadan follow-up Event A meal to mark the end of Ramadan and to acknowledge the effort and commitment of those who undertook the fast was...
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Muslim and Christian Women Meet

Muslim & Christian Women MeetOn Saturday 25th of Aug 2012 an event called "Muslim and Christian Women together" took place in Cois Tine. To...

Let Peace begin with me

On the 20th of July Muslims throughout the world began celebrating Ramadan. This lasts for one lunar month, about 28 days, and is a...
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The least we can offer

The least we can offer The theme of the recently held International Eucharistic Congress was “Communion with Christ and with One Another”.  There is...

A place at the Table

With all the media focus in recent months and weeks on the Euro crisis and the terrible events in Syria, there is a danger...
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Three more join the SMA in 2012

Three more join the SMA     The Chapel of the Martyrs of Africa (above) at the SMA International Spiritual Year Centre in the Philippines was the scene of great joy...
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Open Secrets

Open Secrets a new book from Cois Tine Book launching 22nd May 2012 at 5.45pm Clarion Hotel, Cork Cois Tine is about to launch...
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OPEN SECRETS – free Kindle download

 Open Secrets: An Irish Perspective on Trafficking and Witchcraft. To mark the first anniversary of its publication the Kindle version of the Book is...
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Anniversary Mass for Fr Sheehan

Anniversary Mass in Ibadan for Fr Sheehan Fr Fintan Daly SMA reports on an Anniversary Mass for the late Fr William (Bill) Sheehan SMA:...
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Agbenyadzi Bp Dennis Kofi

New Bishop of Berbérati Fr Dennis Kofi Agbenyadzi SMA has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Berbérati in the south-west of...
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Nongo-Aziagbia Bp Nestor Désiré

New Bishop for Bossangoa   Fr Nestor Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia SMA has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Bossangoa in the north-west...

Homily at Kontagora Episcopal Ordination

Homily at the Ordination of Bishop Yohanna of Kontagora On Thursday, 3 May 2012, the Vicariate Apostolic of Kontagora welcomed its new Pastor as Monsignor Bulus Dauwa...
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Be Faithful Desciples

As the month of May begins, Christians are continuing to celebrate the feast of Easter and all that followed it. But the Easter event...
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African Missionary

     
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Module 3 Test

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam...
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Cois Tine honoured

Nigerian community honours Cois Tine   During 2011, as in previous years, Cois Tine undertook a lot of work which made a difference to...
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Bishop Gbuji homily at 150th Benin City

150th Anniversary Mass at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Ngbighoko, Benin Cityon 17 March 2012 On the occasion of the Mass to celebrate 150 years of missionary...

Statistics for Benin Republic

STATISTICS for the CATHOLIC CHURCH in BENIN VATICAN CITY, 15 NOV 2011 (VIS) - For the occasion of Benedict XVI's apostolic trip to Benin to sign...
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Shalom Centre, Kenya

Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation, Nairobi, Kenya SCCRR Fr Padraig Devine SMA founded the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, aiming to assist with...
Fr Auguste-Joseph Moreau

Ghana

Portuguese priests were in Ghana by 1471 but their efforts had ended by the beginning of the 18th century. The first SMA to reach...

Values for Life

The Western World first began paying attention to refugees after World War II, when hundreds of thousands of civilians in mainland Europe were displaced...

Jos bomb kills Churchgoers

Catholic Church bombing in Jos, Nigeria St Finbarr's Catholic Church, Rayfield, Jos was the latest church to be bombed by a suicide bomber, a...
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Cork Prison honours SMA Centenary

Cork Prison staff and inmates celebrate SMA 100th   This year the Irish branch of the SMA is celebrating its 100th Anniversary as a...
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justice issues climate change-Ghana dealing with climate change

GHANA - dealing with climate change  What is happening in Ghana’s upper west region is a scenario that is replicated to a greater...

AEFJN ADVOCACY and POPULORUM PROGRESSIO

Populorum Progressio, the Document: On the 19th October 2007, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, gave an address at the United Nations in New York...
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Justice and Peace

"If you want peace work for justice." Pope Paul VI  THUMBPRINT / CLIMATE JUSTICE / WELCOME THE STRANGER... resourcesFor easy access to all articles in...

Supporters

The SMA needs you ...   Think of what it is like to have to walk 3 or 4 kilometers to find water to wash clothes...

Infirm & Retired missionaries

      "There were ambassadors from Ireland in Nigeria long before the arrival of the diplomats" said H E Liam Cunniffe, then Irish Ambassador to Nigeria...

Ministry

Core values Motivated by the Gospel of Christ and faithful to the charism of our Founder in the mission entrusted to us, we...
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SMA Leadership Structures

The overall governance of the Society of African Missions is the General Assembly.  It is made up of ex-officio members and elected members representative...

MAKE ALL THINGS NEW

Old Testament, the prophets spoke about a Jubilee year, a time when debts were forgiven, slaves set free, and right relationships restored.  A Jubilee...
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Fr Kevin Conway SMA Ordination

Ordination of Fr Kevin Conway SMA  SMA priests and supporters travelled from far and near to participate in the Ordination to the Priesthood...
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DIALOGUE Event Reports

DIALOGUE Event ReportsInterfaith Prayer Service:  On the 22nd of January 2010 an Interfaith Event with the theme of "Unity In Diversity" took place in ...
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Vicar Apostolic of Kontagora appointed

Vicar Apostolic appointed Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev Fr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna to succeed Rt Rev Timothy Carroll SMA as 2nd Vicar Apostolic...

Moves to stop Boko Haram

Government and the Islamic leadership move to stop Boko Haram Abuja - "The solution is at hand, because the government is working to face the problem...