About the SMA

The Society of African Missions (SMA) is a catholic missionary society founded in 1856 by Venerable Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac.  It is an International family of Missionaries bonded together by their common response to the command of Jesus Christ to: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation” (Mk 16: 15).

SMA’s work to build up faith communities, church structures, provide education, health care, social development and to promote justice and care for creation.  Through these means, SMAs seek to be an effective response to the missionary vocation of the Church, chiefly among Africans and people of African origin.

Our projects

The Tanga House project is run by members of the Society of African Missions (SMA) in cooperation with Polish Loreto Sisters and SMA lay missionaries.  It provides a safe home for Albino children in Tanzania – who because of their condition are often stigmatised and excluded.  They are sometimes killed or subjected to violence and mutilation due to a superstitious belief associated with witchcraft that albino body parts can bring wealth.

Latest News

The Beatitude of Hope – 16th February 2025

The Beatitude of Hope – 16th February 2025

A reflection for the Sixth Sunday (Cycle C) The difference between Luke’s so-called Sermon on the Plain and Matthew’s version on the Mount is more than a matter of location and length, it is also...

SMA Journal – February 2025

SMA Journal – February 2025

Welcome the February edition of the SMA Journal for 2025.  This month we feature – Traditions associated with St Brigid and how one was marked in SMA Parish Wilton. – A report on the...

SMA International News – Feb 2025

SMA International News – Feb 2025

Welcome to the SMA International News – the first edition for 2025.  The topic of this bulletin is a recent meeting of SMA Formation Staff that took place in Cote d’Ivoire in January. ...

The Oldest SMA in the World

The Oldest SMA in the World

Fr. Albert Cooney SMA is one hundred years old.  He was born on January 7th 1925 and raised in Tierlahood, Stradone, Co. Cavan.  He is now the sole surviving sibling of 13 children – 4 of whom chose...

Ways to Support

Our Projects in Africa

The goals of building up faith communities and church structures, providing education, health care, social development and caring for our environment have been at the heart of the SMA’s missionary work.

Over the years we have supported the care of children at Tanga House, we have helped develop housing for those that were homeless, we have assisted in the building of schools and we have continued to educate Seminarians training to become SMA Missionary Priests.

Missionary Association Cards and prayers for a loved one

You can donate to the SMA by ordering one or more Missionary Association Cards.  Our cards are designed to let someone know that you have remembered them in a prayerful way.  All prayer intentions received are placed before the altar in the Community Chapel of the SMA House from where you got the Card and will be remembered in our daily prayers and Masses.

We have a number of options available for Birthdays, Sympathy, Get Well, Christmas, etc.

Events in Ireland

Each year we host a selection of events such as Summer schools and camps, climate change and biodiversity conferences and events on human trafficking and advocacy.

We also host Novenas across Ireland.

Sunday Homilies

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26 Theme: The Beatitudes During my sojourn in the Holy Land in the Spring of 2008, I was privileged to have had the opportunity...

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8; Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11 Theme: Responding to God’s Call The theme of vocation, or discerning and responding to God’s call, runs through all the readings of today’s...

Videos

Beginnings provides an historical account of the initiation of the SMA. It is the SMA story on the founder, choices and international expansion.

Fr. Anthony was extremely active in the Twafawne building project; a community housing initiative for women that had lost their homes.

Supporters in Ireland contribute vital funds to sponsor priests in training in Africa. You can hear about the FVC supporters and what is involved.

 

Each month we share videos regularly on :

  • History and occasions
  • Prayers and meditations 
  • Reflections and teachings
  • Climate change, biodiversity and human trafficking
  • Mindfulness