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.

Remember the Missions in Your WILL

Leaving a gift in your Will is a special way to help our Mission work. Your kindness and generosity can live on even after you are gone.

If you require more information please contact the SMA House nearest to you, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Latest News

Election of SMA Provincial Superior

Election of SMA Provincial Superior

The 26 Delegates to the 18th Provincial Assembly of the Society of African Missions [SMA], meeting in the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry, Co Down, have elected Fr Malachy Flanagan,...

Fr. Michael Igoe SMA [RIP]

Fr. Michael Igoe SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Father Michael Igoe SMA, late of Lowbrook, Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath.  Fr Michael died on 2nd July 2025, on...

Homily for the 14th Sunday Year C

Homily for the 14th Sunday Year C

Readings: Isaiah 6610-14; Galatians 6.14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Theme: The Joy of the Gospel By Michael McCabe, SMA. In his 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, the Joy of the Gospel. Pope Francis...

SMA Provincial Assembly begins

SMA Provincial Assembly begins

The SMA Provincial Assembly or Chapter Meeting opens today at the SMA Retreat and Conference Centre in Dromantine, Newry, Co. Down. The Assembly takes place every six years and will last for a...

Homily for the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul 2025

Homily for the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul 2025

Readings: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 Theme: ‘The Lord stood by me and gave me strength’ (2 Tim 4:17) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today we celebrate the feast of two pillars of...

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 14th Sunday Year C

Homily for the 14th Sunday Year C

Readings: Isaiah 6610-14; Galatians 6.14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Theme: The Joy of the Gospel By Michael McCabe, SMA. In his 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, the Joy of the Gospel. Pope Francis...

Homily for the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul 2025

Homily for the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul 2025

Readings: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 Theme: ‘The Lord stood by me and gave me strength’ (2 Tim 4:17) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today we celebrate the feast of two pillars of...

Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2025

Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2025

Readings: Genesis 14:18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9: 11b-17. Theme: Keeping Alive the Blessed Memory of Jesus By Michael McCabe SMA Today, the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ)...

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