THE WORLD OF FINANCE – Pope Francis
Today, when we hear talk of finances, we often feel as if it’s a subject very distant from our day-to-day life. As Francis says,...
SMA Summer School 2021 – Tanzania PROJECT
This page will contain information about the project in Tanzania run by Sr Regina OLA and a direct link to the Project or OLA...
SMA SUMMER SCHOOL 2021 – date for your Diary
This year the SMA Summer School will take place on-line over a one and a half day period. Here we bring you advance notice...
WEBINAR: Global Economics and Local Impacts – the effect on Women and Girls in...
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Human Trafficking: Ireland’s Reality – WEBINAR
The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and the Society of African Missions (SMA) will be hosting a Webinar: Human Trafficking: Ireland’s Reality
Date: Tuesday...
Body and Blood of Christ 2019 – Year C
23 June 2019
Genesis 14:8-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9: 11-17
One time I remember visiting a bush village in Africa. It was a very poor area. It...
Pentecost Sunday 2019 – Year C
9 June 2019
Acts 2;1-11
1 Cor 12:3-7,12-13
John 20:19-23
An Irish doctor friend of mine told me of a time he received a call from...
6th Sunday of Easter 2019 – Year C
26 May 2019
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
John 14:23-29
Some years ago my uncle was dying in a hospital and he was aware of this....
The main concerns of Synod representatives from Africa
Two major preoccupations raised were unemployment and poverty
Lucie Sarr
October 30, 2018
https://international.la-croix.com/news/the-main-concerns-of-synod-representatives-from-africa/8735
African bishops and young auditors at the Synod assembly on Young People,...
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2019 – Year C
3 March 2019
Sirach 27.4-7
1 Cor 15.54-58
Luke 6.39-45
There is a story about a scorpion that wants to cross a river. It chances upon a turtle...
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2018 – Year B
28 October 2018
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52
In biblical times blindness was very common, as in Africa today, where every village has its blind, some from...
Family Tree Programme – Additional Resources
Scroll down for visual, prayer, film clips and song resources. Online links to film clips and videos of songs are provided. Click here to download...
Cardinal’s plan for laypeople to lead parishes
Cardinal Reinhard Marx has announced plans to allow laypeople in his Archdiocese of Munich to lead parishes where there are no priests.
In doing...
Climate Volunteers and the Thumbprint Campaign
During 2015, the SMA introduced the Thumbprint Campaign for Climate Justice and with the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si, it...
Missionary Association Cards (MAC)
Much of the good work done by SMA in support of Africa over the years has been as a result of the generous donations...
Family Vocations Community
Established in 1959 to support the young priests in formation, The Family Vocations Crusade (FVC) began in the North based at Dromantine but spread...
LAITY AND THE SMA
When he founded the SMA in 1856, Bishop de Brésillac wanted to establish a "Society of clergy and lay people”, which would bring the...
SMA NOVENA IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY
The annual Novena to Our Lady begins at St. Joseph's SMA Church, Blackrock Road, Cork, on Friday 19th May, and culminates with our annual pilgrimage...
Shalom’s Methodology Have Impact in Northern Ireland
The following article on the work of Shalom, Kenya, has been contributed by Tom Watson, president and founder of CauseWired, a US consulting firm advising...
TOGO Bishops – “… a bomb that may explode”
Agenzia Fides reports from Lomé (4 May 2017) the following statement from the Bishops of Togo:
"The frustration of Togolese civil society is a bomb ready...
December 2016 Papal Missionary Intention
The December 2016 Missionary Intention of Pope Francis relates to the Europe:
May the peoples of Europe rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the...
Feast of St Patrick
Today cities, towns and villages throughout the country are crowded, many people wearing shamrock or badges and celebrating our National Day with parades, floats,...
Boko Haram target Niger – the world’s least developed country
There is evidence that the Boko Haram Islamist terror group is feeling the pressure of a concerted effort by the military of Nigeria, Cameroon...
Ghana – Uganda urge youth to stay at home
In a joint statement of the Episcopal Conference of Ghana and of the Christian Council of Ghana, issued at the conclusion of a meeting...
A Modern Olympic Story of courage and tragedy
At the end of her first qualifying heat in the women’s 200m race at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the defending Olympic champion, Jamaican...
Is South Africa’s Rainbow turning Black and White?
The Society of African Missions (SMA) involvement in South Africa is a commitment to helping the new South Africa emerge from the nightmare of its...
Conflict resolution in Kenya
For several years, the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation has been working to end the cycle of violence in the tribal lands of...
UNMIL’s last day in Liberia
30 June marked the last day of the United Nations Military presence in the small west African state of Liberia. With a population of 4.56...
OLA Sisters celebrate 25 years in Mwamapalala
OLA jubilance and joy were evident throughout the week leading up to Friday 13 May 2016. On that day twenty-five-years previously, Sisters Mairéad Hickey...
UN official resigns over abuse allegations in CAR
There are few who would argue with the need for the United Nations which, since the end of the Second World War, has helped...
Global Catholic Climate Movement
The SMA Summer School 2016 is entitled: ‘Living Laudato Si’ and marks the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ revolutionary encyclical inviting us to become...
Migrants found dead in Niger Desert – abandoned by smugglers
On 16 June last, Agenzia Fides, the Information service of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, reported on the deaths in Niger of 34 migrants...
Ghana’s “Sodom and Gomorrah”
To mark the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, GLOBAL SISTERS REPORT, a project of the National Catholic Reporter, has begun a...
New SMA mission opens in Tanzania
The SMA team in Tanzania will open a new mission on the island of Ukara on Lake Victoria in November 2016. Travel to the island...
Welcoming the Stranger – Learning from the Developing World and Malta
In an Irish Examiner Opinion Piece (May 24, 2016) marking the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, the CEO of Oxfam Ireland, Jim Clarken, said...
President Higgins criticises ‘Empty Pledges’
In a speech delivered on the opening day of the UN Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul (23 May 2016), President Higgins criticized the Irish State’s...
Churches attacked in Tanzania
Over several months Tanzanian Christians – of different confessions – have been the victims of anti-Christian violence. This has seen the burning of churches...
Three new SMA deacons in Nairobi
Last Monday, 2 May 2016, the SMA Formation House in Nairobi celebrated the admission to Permanent membership in the Society of African Missions of Armand Mayumbu...
Murdered Sisters remembered
The Vatican News Agency - Agenzia Fides - reports that a Mass was celebrated on Saturday last, 16 April, in the Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi, to...
Divine Mercy Sunday – a thought
The name of God is mercy – this is the title that Pope Francis gave the letter he wrote announcing the Jubilee Year of...
St Patrick is about faith not commerce!
Today cities, towns and villages throughout the country are crowded, many people wearing shamrock or badges and celebrating our National Day with parades, floats,...
Cast out your nets into deeper water!
A two-day orientation workshop for SMA priests assigned to the South Africa Region was held at the SMA Regional House, Buffelsfontein on 11-12 February 2016.And so...
Taming your tongue!
St. Agnes Pray for us!
St Agnes Catholic Church, Ibex Hill, Lusaka, Zambia had a Nine day Novena from 12 - 20 January, 2016 from...
SMA Lay missionary drowned in Liberia
Beth Otting, an SMA Lay missionary, died tragically in Liberia on Friday, 29 January. Beth had only arrived in Liberia on 4 January. A fellow lay missionary...
World Leprosy Day 2016 – To live is to help to live
Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, President of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, has written a message for the 63rd World Leprosy Day, the theme...
Refugees unwelcome
According to the IRIN News and Information Service, refugees and migrants attempting to pass through the tiny village of Idomeni near Greece’s border with...
Kontagora Vicariate in 2016
Kontagora CrisisThe Vicariate Apostolic of KontagoraBishop Timothy Carroll SMABorn: 20 April 1940 at Millstreet, Co Cork, IrelandPermanent member of SMA: 15 June 1965Ordained: 20...
Nigeria “is not a Christian country. It is not a Muslim country…”
"This is not a Christian country. It is not a Muslim country. There is no place here that belongs to Muslims or Christians, rich...
Merciful like the Father… Jubilee Year opens
On 8 December we will begin an Extraordinary Jubilee Year – a Jubilee Year of Mercy. It is the first Jubilee Year which does...
COApplication 2015
Click here to read the Job description and Person specification for the SMA Communications Officer.
Francis: pilgrim of peace and apostle of hope
When Pope Francis arrived at the International Airport in Bangui, among the welcoming party were two SMA bishops – Bishop Nestor-Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia SMA ...
Witchcraft uncovered
Witchcraft is a fact of life in many parts of the world. In Zambia, Fr Tom Casey SMA - through the SMA Media Centre...
Pope Francis speaks to Paris Climate Conference
The Paris Climate Summit will go ahead despite the atrocities of Friday, 13 November, last. Pope Francis has, once again, addressed this issue and...
40 years in Nigeria and still going strong
Fr. Daniel Monaghan, SMA, recently marked 40 years in the priesthood, all of which was spent in Nigeria.Daniel (Danny) Monaghan was born on 24th...
Benin City mourns Monsignor Joseph P Omesa
The death has taken place at the UBTH Benin City, Nigeria, of Monsignor Joseph P. Omesa, aged 67 years. Monsignor Omesa had been vigorously battling...
Forced evictions leave Nigerians homeless
According to the IRIN News Agency, more than a month after security forces chased some 15,000 Nigerians from their homes in Badia East, one of...
International Day of Prayer for Climate Justice
Sunday, 1 November, has been set aside as the International Day of Prayer for Climate Justice. Christians throughout the world will take part in...
Ebola orphans in Liberia abandoned
According to FIDES – a Vatican News Agency – more that 5,900 Liberian children lost one or both parents to Ebola. Some are with...
Despite setbacks Boko Haram continue to kill and destroy
In recent weeks the Boko Haram Islamist sect have come under increasing pressure from Nigerian and other military forces. Cameroon military foiled an attack...
Special Wilton Parish Assembly meeting
A special meeting of the Parish Assembly will gather with the new Parish Priest, Fr Michael O'Leary SMA, on Tuesday, 6 October 2015.
It is...
Be good stewards of the manifold grace of God
Be good Stewards of the manifold grace of God We live in what Pope Francis has called a “throwaway culture.” Many people act as...
People die defending our environment
The international group Global Witness has reported that 116 persons, defenders of the environment, were murdered in 2014. This means that at least two...
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE JUSTICE
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE JUSTICE “Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods....
SMA seminary celebrates 25 years
God of tenderness and love, you inspired Melchior de Marion Brésillac to found the Society of African Missions and in our own time inspired...
Eritrean refugees’ paintings of dangerous journeys
The Jesuit Refugee Services have mounted an exhibition by Eritrean young people of paintings depicting their visions, fears and memories of the dangerous...
Commissioning ceremony for departing Nigerian SMA priests
We took a nostalgic stroll down the corridors of recollection at SMA House, Abuja on Saturday morning last, the Feast of the Assumption, when...
Benedict Daswa, first martyr of South Africa, to be beatified on 13 September
According to Agenzia FIDES - the News Agency for the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - the Church in South Africa is...
Privacy Policy
Society of African MissionsThank you for visiting the website of the Society of African Mission and reviewing our privacy policy. This policy applies only...
Playing the EU Asylum lottery
Fleeing war or persecution for the safety of Europe?Asylum seekers have not truly made it until their applications are approved, giving them the right...
Violence mars end of Ramadan
As Muslims throughout the world celebrated the end of Ramadan with the Eid al Fitr festival, the Nigerian Islamist group – Boko Haram –...
Niger: Boko Haram’s neglected crisis
Nigerian families first began seeking refuge in Niger in 2013, but Boko Haram-related violence in the region has spiked in recent months, causing the...
Boko Haram change tactics
A teenage girl strapped with explosives ran away from a crowded mosque this week, killing only herself and cementing suspicions that Boko Haram is...
600,000 refugees in Kenya
Though much is made of the thousands of refugees / economic migrants trying to reach Europe there are several African countries where people have...
World Refugee Day 2015
At the end of his general audience last Wednesday, held in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis launched the following appeal:"This coming Saturday marks World...
Boko Haram violence has killed more than 5,000 Catholics alone
A new report has revealed the scale of the suffering of Nigerian Catholics at the hands of Boko Haram militants, with 5,000 Catholics killed...
Growing humanitarian emergency due to Boko Haram violence
The Nigerian government’s focus on its war against the Boko Haram insurgency is obscuring a growing humanitarian emergency, according to an IRIN News Organisation...
Boko Haram has not gone away
Nigeria has a new President - Muhammadu Buhari - with a promise to return Nigeria to peace and stability. However, Boko Haram is continuing its reign of...
Faith and mission are linked – World Mission Message 2015
In his Message for Mission Sunday 2015 , Pope Francis states that “there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor”. The...
Fr Bill Kennedy SMA – Funeral rites
Prayers before removal from the SMA House, Wilton The remains of Fr Bill Kennedy were removed from the SMA House to the adjacent St Joseph's SMA...
Fr Bill Kennedy goes to his eternal rest
"The one who had the greatest influence on me as a priest was Bishop Patrick J Kelly SMA. He made me aware, by...
I am Sorry
A few weeks ago almost 900 people were drowned in the Mediterranean Sea trying to get to Europe. 900 families and more, bereaved in...
Kenya Region 2015
SMA Kenya The SMA involvement in Kenya began in 1992 when the British Province undertook the administration of the Parish of St Joseph the...
Pressure of radical Islam financed from abroad is felt in Benin
Following their ad limina visit to the Rome to meet with Pope Francis the Secretary General of the Benin Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Pascal N’Koue...
120 years in the Ivory Coast
Less than 40 years after the foundation of the SMA by Bishop deBrésillac his successors established the first mission in the Ivory Coast,...
SMA statement on Mediterranean migrants
A Statement from the SMA General Council The General Council of the Society of African Missions (SMA) on behalf of its members and...
Sambisa forest under attack by armed forces
The Reuters News Agency is reporting that the Nigerian Armed forces backed by warplanes are attacking the infamous Boko Haram stronghold of the Sambisa...
One year on – Chibok school girls still missing
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos , in an interview with FIDES has said “it is worrying that we do not know anything about the...
Shalom Center condemns Garissa atrocity
The Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation issued a statement today expressing their shock and solidarity with the Kenyan people following the attacks...
Fr Dan bids adieu after 44 years
Father Dan McCauley (SMA) is an Irish priest who will soon leave Nigeria after 44 years. He began his missionary work in Nigeria in...
Pope’s Letter to Nigeria published
Pope Francis has sent a Letter to the people and bishops of Nigeria assuring them of his closeness to them at this time. Although...
Twelve killed in suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri
A suspected female suicide bomber killed at least 12 people on Tuesday in Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria's Borno state, military and hospital sources...
More than 600 granted asylum have no homes
More than 600 granted asylum have no homes An Irish Time’s article date 9 March 2015 reports that successful asylum seekers are caught in...
Children murdered by Boko Haram suicide bomber
Boko Haram continued its deadly campaign in north eastern Nigeria with a female suicide bomber taking at least 20 lives in an attack on...
A growing feeling on anti-Christianity in Niger
The FIDES News Agency, quoting an Italian SMA priest, says that there is a growing sense of anti-Christianity in Niger following attacks on Christian...
A light against human trafficking
Cardinal Peter Turkson spoke at a Vatican Press Conference to draw attention to the first International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human...
Niger bishops reaffirm their friendship with the Muslim community
Despite the anti-Christian violence which has seen dozens of Christian properties, including Catholic churches, attacked or destroyed in the Niger Republic the two Nigerien...
Nigerian lives matter as much as French ones
The IRIN News Agency reports on the controversy which has erupted following the Boko Haram attack on Baga, a town in the north-east of...
Who is going to rid us of Boko Haram?
The world was rightly outraged at the unjustified murder of journalists, police personnel and innocent people in Paris last week. But, in the same...
The challenge for the church in South Africa
On 26 October 2014 the Montana community hosted an International Day to support the work of the SMA in Africa. They also took the opportunity...
Archbishop on pastoral visit to St Simon’s
On 6th and 7th December 2014, , His Grace Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, paid a pastoral visit to St. Simon’s parish, Mariban Rido, on the outskirts...
Direct provision needs ‘urgent action’, say Catholic bishops
Direct provision needs ‘urgent action’, say Catholic bishops Irish Times 11th December: Bishops have appealed for urgent action by the Government to address the...
Relief aid for Ebola vicitims in Sierra Leone
The Society of African Missions (SMA) was founded in Lyons, France in 1856 by Bishop Marion deBrésillac with the aim of evangelizing Africa and...
Relief aid needed for Ebola victims in Kwama
The Society of African Missions (SMA) was founded in Lyons, France in 1856 by Bishop Marion deBrésillac with the aim of evangelizing Africa and...
Mosque attack shows Boko Haram attacks Muslims too
FIDES, the News Agency for the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, reports that Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama has said that "Boko Haram attacks...
Fr Monaghan appointed Vicar General
Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese in Nigeria has appointed SMA Father Mark Monaghan to serve as one of his Vicars General. As...
Evangelise cultures to inculturate the Gospel
Once every five years the different Bishops Conferences from around the world visit the Pope to give an account of their stewardship and to...
Montana celebrates unity in diversity
Fr Michael O’Leary, an SMA from Cork City, was ordained in 1978. His first appointment was to Monrovia, Liberia and later he moved along...
Boko Haram continue their advance
With the continuing focus on the Ebola virus in west Africa there is a danger that people will forget that the people of northern...
Manual on Economic Justice now available
AEFJN has produced a manual for JPIC groups and other groups working on issues of economic justice. The AEFJN Irish Antenna also made...
Fr Dan Murphy SMA – funeral homily
Fr Michael McCabe, SMA Provincial Leader, preached at the Funeral Mass for Fr Dan Murphy SMA which took place a St Joseph's SMA Church,...
Niger bishops greet Muslim community
The three Catholic Bishops in Niger – Archbishop Michel Cartatéguy SMA of Niamey, Bishop Ambroise Ouédraogo of Maradi diocese and the Auxiliary bishop of...
Proclaiming the Good News
For most of his 50 years as a missionary Fr Michael McGrath has worked in Kaduna, Nigeria. His primary interest has been in catechetics:...
Pope Francis prays for CAR UN peacekeepers
Following the recitation of the Angelus at noon on Sunday, 14 September, Pope Francis spoke about the UN Peacekeeping Mission which begins on...
A Zambian missionary in Nigeria
Fr. Ignatius Malwa, SMA was born in Kabwe, Zambia in 1980, the fifth of seven children. It is also the location of the...
Boko Haram trying to conquer territory
In a statement released by Agenzia Fides - the News Agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - the Archbishop of Lagos, Most...
Ebola forces restrictions on parish life in Liberia
Fr Garry Jenkins SMA, from the south of England, has spent more than 40 years as a missionary in Liberia. He has lived through...
Central African Republic 2014
Area: 623,000 sq. km. Population: est. 5,277,000.Population Growth Rate: 2.13% CapitalBangui (est. 750,000) Head of State Catherine Samba-Panza Independence13 August 1960...
Catholic hospital Director dies in Liberia from Ebola
Agenzia Fides - the News Agency for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - has reported the death of Brother Patrick Nshamdze, OH, Director...
HOPE FOR CHANGE AT LAST ?
HOPE FOR CHANGE AT LAST ?Direct provision has been consistently challenged by activists, politicians and human rights lawyers by advocacy and in the courts...
Five people killed in attack on SMA parish
On Sunday, 27 July, the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, launched an attack on several venues in Kano, northern Nigeria. Among them was the...
Sudan bans new Catholic churches
CISA (Catholic Information Service Africa) is reporting that the Khartoum government has decided it will no longer allow any further construction of churches in...
Justice calendar for July – August 2014
There are more than 100 million 'street children'. Our SMA Peace & Justice calendar for July / August 2014 highlights some aspects of life...
The SMA in Zambia 1973 – 2013
Fr Michael O'Shea, one of the early pioneers of the SMA presence in Zambia, has added to his literary output with a history of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Africa Land Grab
The latest SMA Justice Briefing on the topic of Land Grabbing in Africa is now available. Read more
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...