Mgr Dennis Kofi Agbenyadzi SMA, Appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Berbérati

(Fides News Agency) The recent erection of the ecclesiastical province of Berbérati and appointment of metropolitan archdiocese.  The Holy Father has erected the ecclesiastical province...

The “Ahonhon Center,” for the treatment of brain disorders, inaugurated by the Togolese Province...

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Rubén Darío Ruiz Mainardi, presided over the blessing and inauguration of the “Ahonhon” Neuropsychological Centre (“brain” in Ewe), a new facility dedicated...

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter 2026 – Vocations’ Sunday

Readings: Acts 2:14, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10 Theme: ‘I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly’ (Jn 10:10)...

Reflection for Saturday 18 April 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

(Readings : Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7; Psalm 32: 1-2,4-5,18-19; John 6:16-21) In the English speaking world the name of Raymond Brown will always be...

SMA Journal – April 2026

The April chapter of the SMA Journal opens with a report on repair work in St Joseph’s Church Blackrock Road. Then, remaining in Blackrock...

Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter 2026

Readings: Acts 2: 14, 22-33; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35 Theme: ‘Did not our hearts burn within us’ (Lk 24:32) By Michael McCabe, SMA Luke’s...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR april 2026 | For priests in crisis

In this month’s intention, the Holy Father thinks especially of priests “when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems...

Pope welcomes Middle East ceasefire, invites faithful to join prayer vigil for peace

(Vatican News)  Pope Leo welcomes the news of a ceasefire in the Middle East and asks that all parties engage in prolonged dialogue to...

Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter 202

Readings: Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; John 20:19 – 31 Theme: Touching the Wounds of Christ By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s gospel reading from...

“URBI ET ORBI” MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV – EASTER 2026

Sunday, 5 April 2026   Brothers and sisters, Christ is risen! Happy Easter! For centuries, the Church has joyfully sung of the event that is the origin and...

Homily for Easter Sunday 2026 

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Col 3:1-4; John 20:1-9  Theme: Christ has turned all our sunsets into dawn (Clement of Alexandria)  By Michael McCabe, SMA In the early 19th century, gas lighting was installed...

The Dromantine Stations of the Cross

The script in this video is from “The Dromantine Stations of the Cross”, written by Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA.  It is voiced by Mr...

Holy Thursday 2026 – Homily

Readings:  Exodus12:1-8,11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26;  John 13:1-15 Theme: ‘I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to...

Palm Sunday Homily – Year 2026

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27,66 Theme: ‘There was a shout about my ears and palms before my feet’ (G.K. Chesterton) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today,...

Witnessing through small gestures: SMA Fathers and OLA Sisters are marking their triple jubilee

Below is an article  written by Jean-Paul Kamba, SJ, and Paul Samasumo  that was published recently by Vatican News.   The year 2026 is a special milestone...

SIPRI Report 2026: The global arms market is growing, while in Africa it remains...

The Article below from Agenzia Fides and written by Cosimo Graziani gives an overview of the world arms trade and highlights Africa's unclear place...

Reflection for Saturday 21st March 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12; John 7:40-52. There is a sense of impending doom in today’s Liturgy of the Word. Jeremiah sets the ball...

Lent – a reflection by Ann Weems

A short poem reflecting on the Season of Lent written by the American poet Ann Weems.  This video was filmed, produced and voiced by...

Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45 Theme: ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ (Jn 11:25) By Michael McCabe, SMA. In today’s gospel reading...

SMA Journal – March 2026

In the March edition of the SMA Journal we remember the events of 20 years ago in Kontagora, Nigeria.  We hear about a significant...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH 2026 | For disarmament and peace

In his prayer this month, the Holy Father invites us to pray that “every kind word, every gesture of reconciliation, and every choice for...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 14TH MARCH – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Hosea 5:15-6:6; Psalm 50:3-4, 18-21; Luke 18:9-14.  Getting older I find that I need to take greater care in walking, for fear of falling...

Fr PJ Gormley SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Fr PJ Gormley  SMA, late of Ballinagurra, Augher,...

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent 2026

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Theme: ‘Be like children of Light’ (Eph 5:8) By Michael McCabe, SMA Last Sunday we had a...

Holy See: Christians are most persecuted religious community in world

The article below is from Vatican News and was written by Isabella H. de Carvalho.  It  reports on  an address made recently by Archbishop...

A POEM – a thought for Lent

A short poem by Fr Flor McCarthy SDB suitable for this time of Lent.  Before looking out, look in.  Filmed, produced and voiced by...

DROMANTINE – programme of retreats and workshops 2026

This year marks a remarkable milestone — 100 years of the Society of African Missions (SMA) in Dromantine. Since 1926, Dromantine has stood as...

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2026

Readings: Exodus 17:3-7; Romans 5:1-2,5-8; John 4:5-42 Theme: Living Water By Michael McCabe, SMA As a young lad, growing up on a small farm in...

Fr Michael McGrath S.M.A – Funeral Homily

Below is the homily preached by Fr Michael McGrath CC, Saint Mel's Cathedral, Longford during Funeral Mass of his uncle, Fr Michael McGrath SMA, at...

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent 2026

Readings: Genesis 12:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9 Theme: ‘The Love that dances at the heart of things’ (Malcolm Guite) By Michael McCabe, SMA The...

KONTAGORA – TWO DECADES ON. (Feb. 2006 – Feb. 2026)

On the night of 23rd February 2006, in Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria, a mob attacked the Churches and private premises of many Christian denominations...

A Meditation for Lent 2026

Lent arrives like a soft whisper on a February morning, calling the heart to slow its pace and listen again for God’s voice. It is the...

The Meaning of Lent – Fr Michael McCabe SMA

This short  video reflection, its just about two and a half minutes long, from Fr Michael McCabe SMA explores the meaning of Lent.  In...

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent – Year A 2026

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 Theme: Jesus in the Wilderness By Michael McCabe, SMA The mission of Jesus was to establish on earth...

MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIV FOR LENT 2026

Dear brothers and sisters, Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery...

Lent 2026: A Season of Reflection, Penance, and Renewal

As Ash Wednesday approaches, Christians around the world prepare to enter Lent 2026—a sacred 40‑day journey marked by renewal, repentance, and deep reflection. This...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Reflection for the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius Readings: Acts of the Apostles 13:46-49; Psalm 116; Gospel of Luke 10:1-9 Two themes stand out from...

SMA JOURNAL – February 2026

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the SMA Journal.   We celebrate the 90th Birthday of Fr Eddie Deeney SMA and also the launch...

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37 Theme: Law and Virtue By Michael McCabe, SMA Human estimates of the value of law have varied...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2026 | For children with incurable diseases

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope. By...

Appeal from the Bishop of Kontagora: “Mr. President, a military base must be established...

(Agenzia Fides) – “Mr. President, this is a desperate appeal to you to put an end to the relentless attacks against the population living...

Convent, Catholic Hospital, and two Protestant Churches attacked in North-Central Nigeria

(Agenzia Fides) – Several towns in the Agwara Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State, in north-central Nigeria, have been the target of armed...

Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 Theme: Called to be the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth By...

A tribute to Fr Michael McGrath, SMA – by +Gerald Musa, Bishop of Katsina

Fr Michael  McGrath died on 28 January 2026, peacefully at the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork at the age of 85 years. ...

Fr Michael McGrath SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Fr Michael McGrath SMA, late of Ratharney, Abbeyshrule,...

SMA JOURNAL – Special edition on Séan Ó Sé RIP

Welcome to this Special edition of the SMA Journal featuring the late Séan Ó Sé who died on the 13th of January 2026.  In an...

The Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Feast of St Brigid, Secondary Patron of Ireland Readings: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12 Theme: The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Recipe for happiness...

My First Year of Priestly Ordination

(This article was first published in the African Missionary No.46 Autumn-Winter 2025)  In this reflection Fr Moses Katabawa, a Zambian SMA missionary, looks back on...

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings Isaiah 8: 23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4: 12-23 Theme: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light’ (Is 9:2) By...

Three African Conflicts 2026

Using information provided by the International Crisis Group  (ICG) on ten conflicts likely to continue in 2026, Netzwewrek Afrika Deutschland, the German antenna of the...

SMA JOURNAL – January 2026

In this, the first chapter of the SMA Journal for 2026 we visit Fr Patsy Lynch SMA at St Brendan's Church, Ballinskeilligs, Co Kerry...

Homily for the Second Sunday of Year A – 18th January 2026

Readings: Isaiah 49:3,5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 Theme: Witnessing to Christ, the Light of the World By Michael McCabe, SMA Last Sunday we celebrated...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY 2026 | For prayer with the word of...

With the first prayer intention of the year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to rediscover the transforming power of God’s Word, the Word in...

Homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 42: 1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:19-16 Theme: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him’ (Mt 2:13) By Michael...

Homily on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a. 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 Theme: ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage’ (Mt...

MISSIONARIES AND PASTORAL WORKERS KILLED IN 2025

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Even the hope of missionaries and pastoral workers who are killed is “a hope filled with immortality because their witness...

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas 2026

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2,8-12; Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18; John 1:1-18 Theme: ‘The Word was made flesh and lived among us’ (John 1:14).. Many of you may remember a...

Homily on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – 1 January 2026

Readings: 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21 By Michael McCabe, SMA Today, the 1st of January 2026, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God,...

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV FOR THE 59th WORLD DAY OF PEACE...

Towards an “unarmed and disarming” peace  “Peace be with you!”  This ancient greeting, still in use today in many cultures, was infused with new...

A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family

28th December 2025  Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Theme: Family Life in the Lord Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family....

NATIVITY

Adverts announcing the ‘magic of Christmas’ alert us – starting earlier every year it seems – to the markets and merchandise of the mid-winter...

Homily for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, Night Time Mass, Year...

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7; Titus 2:14-18; Luke 2:1-14 Theme: ‘A Saviour is born to us; he is Christ the Lord’ (Lk 2:11) By Michael McCabe, SMA Tonight...

SMA JOURNAL – December 2025

In this, the final chapter in the SMA Journal for 2025, we begin by travelling to Kenya to hear about the recent celebrations marking...

PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL

Pope Leo XVI ‘s papacy began in a time of many wars, growing International division and tension.  Adherence to humanitarian and Christian values respecting...

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A 2025

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 Theme: Joseph, a very special Father By Michael McCabe, SMA The role of Mary in the unfolding of...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER 2025 | For Christians in areas of conflict

Following his visit to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Pope invites us to pray for Christian communities who live in war-torn or conflict zones.  He asks...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Eccles (Sir) 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 79: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mathew 17;10-13 There is a lot of violence in today’s readings – the fulminations of...

God Bless us, every one.

Thanks to Fr Hugh Harkin SMA for bringing this to our attention and for providing the information here, which is suitable for this time,...

CONGRATULATIONS TO SMA KENYA

Tomorrow, 12th December, will be a special day in the life of the SMA Kenya Province as one of the main occasions in a...

Bishop of Kontagora: “The freed hostages are on their way to their families”

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – "The 100 freed children and young people are on their way from Minna, the capital of Niger State, to Papiri...

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year 2025

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-6,10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 Theme: The Joy of the Gospel By Michael McCabe, SMA Joy is the dominant theme of our liturgy...

A HOMILY FOR SMA FOUNDATION DAY – Dec 8th

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 169 years ago, Mgr Melchior de Marion Brésillac founded the Society of African Missions. In a letter...

A TIME FOR PEACE – Part two

One of the most beautiful texts read in Advent is in continuity with the above moral-theological trajectory, involving the coming of the messianic king:...

A TIME FOR PEACE – Part one

Below is the first part of an Advent Reflection by Fr Kevin O'Gorman.  Part two will be published next Sunday.     October 4th this year...

A Call from the SMA Superior General to Prayer for Papiri’s Captives

St Mary's school in Papiri was constructed by an SMA missionary with financial support from many donors especially St Mary’s secondary school, Newry. This...

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A 2025

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12 Theme: ‘A Future without Hope is like a Night without Stars’ By Michael McCabe, SMA Many of you, I’m...

An Advent Prayer

This anonymous prayer very succinctly captures the spirit of Advent and expresses the deep spiritual longing and anticipation that lies at the heart of...

ADVENT- by Patrick Kavanagh

As Advent begins, this Poem by Patrick Kavanagh sets the scene and is a good introduction to some of the themes of this season...

Taking Advent Seriously

by Michael McCabe SMA This coming Sunday the Church begins a new liturgical year with the season of Advent: four weeks of preparation for the...

Homily for the First Sunday of Advent Year A

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44 Theme: Longing for Peace By Michael McCabe, SMA We begin our new liturgical year with the season of Advent...

UPDATE

As more information becomes available the true extent of the the abductions in Kontagora is becoming more apparent. Here we link to an article...

Kontagora Diocese, Nigeria – About a hundred students kidnapped in the attack on a...

It is with great sadness that we bring you this news from Agenzia Fides which reports on the abduction of students during an attack...

Artificial Intelligence and the Mission of the Church. A Critical Contribution

This article from Agenzia Fides gives a synthesis of the Church's view of Artificial Intelligence (AI)   by Marie Symington Roma (Agenzia Fides ) - On Monday...

Homily for the 34th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

The Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Readings:  2 Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20;  Luke 23:35-43 Theme:  The Kingship of Jesus By Michael...

SMA JOURNAL – November 2025

In this month’s SMA Journal we are informed of the publication of the latest edition of the SMA Magazine and the SMA Calendar for...

100 years ago – in the African Missionary Magazine (2)

This letter from Fr Michael O’Rourke SMA to the African Missionary describes his experience in Nigeria a few months after his arrival.  He was...

Homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Malachi 3:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12; Luke 21:5-19 Theme: ‘Your perseverance will win you your lives’ (Lk 21:19) By Michael McCabe, SMA As we near...

CARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE

For many years the SMA has through its Missionary Association Cards provided people with  a meaningful way to remember a deceased loved one, to...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER 2025 | For the prevention of suicide

  Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and...

Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Readings: Ezekiel 47: 1-2,8-9,12; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11;16-17; John 2:13-22 Theme: Cleansing the Temple By Michael McCabe, SMA Today, instead of the usual Sunday liturgy, we...

IN THE AFRICAN MISSIONARY MAGAZINE 100 YEARS AGO

The writer of this glimpse of day-to-day life in Nigeria in the early 1920s was Fr P J Kelly SMA from the Diocese of...

REFLECTION FOR All Saints Day – 1 November 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Solemnity of All Saints Readings: Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 23:1-6; 1 John 3:1-13; Matthew 5:1-12 We are familiar from the Apostles’ Creed with confessing our faith...

Bishop of Sokoto: “Coexistence between Muslims and Christians is possible; together we can defeat...

(Agenzia Fides) - "In Sokoto, we do not have a problem with persecution, but we do observe restrictions on our freedom," says Bishop Matthew...

Homily for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9; Romans 5: 5-11; Luke 7:11-17 Theme: Nothing can come between us and the love of God By Michael McCabe, SMA ‘Indeed for...

80th Anniversary of the End of World War II: SMA Chaplains

By Fr Hugh Harkin SMA Throughout the summer and autumn of 2025, commemorations have been taking place in many parts of the world to mark...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 25th October 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

25th October 2025 Readings Romans 8:1-11; Ps 23:1-6; Luke 13:1-9 The phrase ‘in Christ Jesus’ appears dozens of times in the Letters of Paul that we...

Homily for 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-19; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14 Theme: ‘Lord. Be merciful to me, a sinner’ (Lk 18:13) By Michael McCabe, SMA. Today’s...

EVENTS IN TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS CARROLL SMA

As part of the their tribute to Archbishop Francis Carroll S.M.A., Newry Maritime Association (NMA) is hosting an exhibition in the Heritage Gallery of...

VATICAN – Catholic Church Statistics 2025

Vatican City (Fides Agency) - As every year, in view of World Mission Sunday, which this year celebrates its 99th anniversary on Sunday, October...

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2025 – 19 October...

Missionaries of Hope Among all People Dear brothers and sisters!  For World Mission Day in the Jubilee Year 2025, the central message of which is hope...

SMA JOURNAL – October 2025

The October SMA  Journal begins with an update from Blackrock Road on services available and on the condition of the Parish Church.  Next comes...

Homily for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2;  Luke 18:1-8  Theme: World Day of Mission By Michael McCabe, SMA.   Today, World Mission Sunday, is the day set aside by...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER 2025 | For collaboration between different religious traditions

Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity. https://youtu.be/9JNhQzzisOQ  TEXT OF POPE LEO's...

Homily for the 28th Sunday of Year 2025

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19 Theme: Gratitude By Michael McCabe, SMA I recall my grandmother telling us as children, when she...

Jubilee of the Missionary World, Pope Leo speaks of a “new missionary age”

Today, "a new missionary age opens up in the history of the Church." It is time to recognize and proclaim anew, "with joy" and...

Dis-Order of the World – Global Order and the “twilight” in which “monsters emerge”

The article below, from Agenzia Fides, written  by Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan is long and not an easy read. ...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 4th October 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi Readings: Bar 4:5-12, 27-29; Ps 68, Luke 10:17-24. The first week of October is remarkable for its litany of saints...

Homily for the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3;2:2-4, 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14; Luke 17:5-10 Theme: Faith and Service By Michael McCabe, SMA. Our readings today invite us to reflect on the...

BENIN – Bishop of N’Dali celebrates Mass in the village of Kalalé

This article from Agenzia Fides tells of the visit of Bishop Martin Adjou Moumouni to the Parish of Saint Pierre de Kalalé following an...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 27th September 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Zec 2:5-9, 14-15; Ps Jer 31:10-13; Lk 9:43-45. The readings today are prophetic, proclaiming both the presence of God and the passion of Jesus....

Homily for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025

Readings: Amos: 6:1, 4-7;1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31 Theme: Indifference to the Plight of the Poor By Michael McCabe, SMA. Today’s readings, like those of...

Prayer Service for the Season of Creation 2025

“Environmental justice can no longer be regarded as an abstract concept or a distant goal. It is an urgent need that involves much more...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 20th September 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: I Tm 6:13-16. Ps 99. Luke 8:4-15 The blurb for the New Collegeville Commentary on First and Second Timothy begins ‘If St Paul and...

Father Bonazzetti: ‘banknote repairer’

ANGOLA/ Terreiro (Agenzia Fides) – "We are still in the middle of the dry season, even though we are waiting for the first rain,...

Homily for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025

Readings: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13 Theme: ‘You cannot be the slave both of God and of money’ (Lk 16:13) By Michael McCabe,...

NOVENA IN HONOUR OF ST THÉRÈSE Patroness of the Missions

The annual Novena in honour of St Thérèse will take place between Tuesday 23rd September to Wednesday 1st October 2025.  Daily Mass & Novena Prayers at...

SMA JOURNAL – September 2025

This month we bring you news of the recent closure of the Church in  Blackrock Road due to  damage to its ceiling. We hear...

Homily for Sunday 14th September 2025

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 Theme: The Victory of the Cross By Michael McCabe,...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 | For our relationship with all of...

In this the Season of Creation the Holy Father dedicates his message and intention for September to the relationship of the human person to...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 6th September 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

(Readings: Col 1:21-23; Ps 53; Luke 6:1-5) If Saul had listened to Jesus speaking in today’s Gospel he would have been annoyed at what he...

AFRICA/ZAMBIA – Bishops: “Environmental damage caused by the uncontrolled exploitation of mineral wealth is...

Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) – "We are deeply concerned about pollution and environmental degradation, which cause suffering to vulnerable populations due to the predominance of...

Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time: 2025

Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10,12-17; Luke 14:25-33 Theme: The Cost of Discipleship By Michael McCabe, SMA The Jesus we meet in today’s gospel is far from...

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV FOR THE 10th WORLD DAY OF PRAYER...

Seeds of Peace and Hope Dear Brothers and Sisters! The theme of this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, chosen by our beloved Pope...

The circle closes: an Irish missionary’s journey from Mayo’s fields to Africa’s heart—and home...

Below is an article written by Fr Dominic Wabwireh of the SMA International Media Centre in Rome.  It is based on an interview he...

St Joseph’s Church Blackrock Road – CLOSED

Masses previously booked will be celebrated in the SMA House private Oratory.  No public Masses will be said in the Parish Church until further...

Homily for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time: 2025

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:17-20,28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1,7-14 Theme: Humility is the truth about ourselves loved (C. Carey-Elwes) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s readings invite us...

St Joseph’s Church Blackrock Road – CLOSED

Due to interior structural damage, our Church in Blackrock Road will remain closed until further notice.  We are awaiting the Engineer's and Builder's Report to...

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Ps. 127:1-5; Matt 23:1-12 Matthew’s preferred image for Jesus is found in today’s reading, that of Teacher. Much of the...

SMA Journal – August 2025

In this month's chapter of the SMA Journal we begin by visiting Dromantine for the Annual SMA Summer Camps run over five weeks in...

Homily for the 21st Sunday of Year 2025

Readings: Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30 Theme: Entering the Kingdom of God by the narrow door By Michael McCabe, SMA There is...

Northeast Nigeria affected by food insecurity

 (Agenzia Fides) – According to the International Red Cross, more than 3.3 million people in northeast Nigeria are affected by food insecurity. Most of...

Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12: 1-4, 8-19, 9-11; Luke 12:49-53 Theme: Setting the World on Fire: Jesus’ Mission and Ours. By Fr. Michael...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST 2025 | For mutual coexistence

Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological...

Homily for the 19th Sunday of Year C 2025

Readings: Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-49 Theme: ‘Fear not, little flock’ (Luke 12:32) By Michael McCabe, SMA According to the nineteenth century...

Wars that annihilate peoples and the “Tranquillitas Ordinis” of Saint Augustine

This article was first published by Agenzia Fides and is written by Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu OFM Conv, the Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan.  In it...

Reflection for Saturday 2nd August, 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Lev 25:1, 8-17;  Ps 66: 2-3, 5, 7-8;  Matt 14:1-12 ‘Let none of you wrong his neighbour’. The line from the book of Leviticus...

Homily for the 18th Sunday of Year 2025

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Making ourselves rich in the sight of God By Fr Michael McCabe, SMA ‘Vanity of...

AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA – In the footsteps of Bishop Brésillac

In the heart of Africa, among the Bayaka Pygmies, Father Davide, a member of the Italian SMA Province, tells us about his daily life,...

Pope Leo XVI’s address to Catechists

While Pope Leo VXI’s message to Catechists is specifically addressed to those in Vietnam.  It reflects the key role they play in the life...

Training SMA Missionaries in Kabwe, Zambia By Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll SMA

This article was first published in the African Missionary Magazine - Spring/Summer 2025 Since November 2023, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll has been the Vice-Rector in...

Homily for the 17th Sunday of Year C, 2025

Readings: Genesis 18: 20-32; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13 Theme: Lord, teach us to pray (Lk 11:1) By Michael McCabe, SMA. My first School Catechism defined...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY 2025 | For formation in discernment

Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads...

Reflection for Saturday 19th July, 2025 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings : Ex 12:37-42, Ps 135, Matt 12:14-21. The late American scripture scholar Donald Senior wrote nearly 20 years ago: ‘Virtually every page of Matthew’s...

Homily for the 16th Sunday of Year C, 2025

Readings: Genesis 18:1-10; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42 Theme: Welcoming the Word of God By Michael McCabe, SMA Hospitality is a notable characteristic of all civilisations and...

SMA Journal – July 2025

In this edition of  We hear from the SMA Provincial Assembly in Dromantine and the election of a new Leadership Team. We remember the...

Counting your Chickens – a learning process

The formation of SMA students for the priesthood has spiritual academic and practical aspects.  Students undertake academic studies to develop their minds so that...

NEW SMA LEADERSHIP TEAM ELECTED

The 26 Delegates to the 18th Provincial Assembly of the Society of African Missions , meeting in the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry, Co...

HOMILY – Funeral Mass of Fr Michael Igoe SMA, RIP

Below is an edited version of the Homily delivered by Fr Anthony Kelly SMA during the Funeral Mass of Fr Michael Igoe SMA on...

Homily for the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Colossians 1:13-20; Luke 10: 25-37 Theme: Who is my neighbour? (Luke 10:29) By Michael McCabe, SMA Some of you may remember ‘Neighbours’,...

Blessed Peter To Rot, the “mission boy” will be proclaimed a Saint

Today, 7th of July, in the SMA Calendar, the name of Blessed Peter To Rot of Papua New Guinea is remembered. Below is an...

Election of SMA Provincial Superior

The 26 Delegates to the 18th Provincial Assembly of the Society of African Missions , meeting in the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry, Co...

FATHER MICHAEL WATERS SMA – Apostle to the Maguzawa People of Kano State, Nigeria...

This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of the African Missionary Magazine. Fr Michael Waters lived and worked with the Maguzawa, (A...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

The 166th Anniversary of the SMA Founders Death

Today, 25th of June members of the Society of African Missions all around the world mark the 166th Anniversary of the death of the...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE 2025 | That the world might grow in...

Pope Leo XIV: From the heart of Jesus, let us learn to have compassion on the world During the month of June, traditionally dedicated to...

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...

Time to say goodbye: Anselmo Fabiano

Around this time last year an article on this website reported that twenty-nine young men completed their Spiritual Year in Calavi, Benin and officially...

SMA Journal – June 2025

In this month’s SMA Journal we hear about the SMA General Assembly in Rome and of the election of a new Superior General and...

Homily on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2025

Readings: Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 Theme: Sharing in God’s family life By Michael McCabe, SMA The Trinity is the defining doctrine of our...

Reflection for 7th June 2025 – Feast of St Colmán of Dromore

The Opening Prayer of the Feast of Saint Colmán of Dromore (7th June) offers important, indeed indispensable insights into the lessons of his legacy...

Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, 2025

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23 Theme: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (Jn 20:22) By Michael McCabe, SMA. Today, Pentecost Sunday, we come to...

New SMA General Councillors elected

At the end of the second week of the 2025 SMA General Assembly (GA25) delegates elected three Councillors who will assist the newly elected...

Jubilee Year 2025– in Pope Francis own words

We are now half way through the Holy Year inaugurated by the late Pope Francis. Here, in his own words, he explains the meaning...

DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY – 8TH JUNE 2025

Situated in the beautiful grounds of the African Missions, Dromantine Newry, with panoramic views stretching across to the Mourne mountains, the annual Family Fun...

Divine Gallery – A New Book by Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

We are happy to introduce a third book written by Fr Kevin on the Gospel of St Luke.  The focus of this publication is...

Election of New SMA Superior General

Below is and edited version of an article written by By Fr Dominic Wabwireh of the SMA Media Centre - Rome On the third...

Homily for Ascension Day 2025

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Luke 24:46-53 Theme: Jesus, Lord of all Creation By Michael McCabe, SMA Today, the feast of the Ascension, marks an end...

Homily from the Mass at the Annual SMA Pilgrimage to Knock

Below is an edited version of he homily preached by Fr Colum O'Shea SMA during Mass at Knock Basilica on Saturday 24th of May...

Father Mandonico, of the Society of African Missions: “The missionary Pope reminds us of...

 “One particular trait stands out about the missionary Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, who became Pope Leo XIV. Those who knew him closely do not...

Building unity through dialogue and listening: XXII General Assembly of the Society of African...

Article published by Agenzia Fides 20/5/35 (Agenzia Fides) – A total of 55 delegates—including provincial and district superiors, elected delegates, facilitators, and guests—from around the...

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter 2025

Readings: Acts 15:1-2,22-29; Apocalypse 21:10-14; John 14:23-29 Theme: The Peace of Christ By Michael Mcabe Towards the end of the 19th century, the Irish poet...

SMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME

SMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME On Sunday May 18th the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd General Assembly of the SMA  took place in  Rome. The...

Reflection: On the readings for Saturday, 4th Week of Easter (17 May 2025)...

Readings : Acts13:44-52; Ps.97; John 14:7-14 Throughout Acts of the Apostles there are frequent references to the Name. For example, the apostles were happy to...

HOMILY – Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith, SMA, RIP

Below is an edited version of the Homily delivered by Fr Colm O'Shea SMA during the Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith SMA on...

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter 2025

Readings: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-33,34-35 Theme: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (Jn 13:34) By Michael McCabe Just a week...

Father Desmond (Des) Smith SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Father Desmond (Des) Smith, SMA Born in the Diocese of Cork 7 March 1944 He became a member of our Society on 25 June 1963 Ordained to the Priesthood...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY 2025 | For Working Conditions

In his annual publication of prayer intentions for 2025, Pope Francis had invited us to pray in May for working conditions…  The Pope’s Worldwide...

SMA Journal – May 2025, Remembering Pope Francis

  This month we have and extended chapter of the Journal in which SMA's and an OLA Sister remember their contacts and encounters with Pope...

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter 2025 – Vocations’ Sunday

Readings: Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Revelation 7:9, 14-17; John 10:27-30 Theme:  Jesus, The Good Shepherd by Fr Michael McCabe SMA On this day, the World Day of...

SMA International News – May 2025

In 2012, the SMA resumed their presence in Sierra Leone, bringing with them their zeal for the mission and the most abandoned. Today, their journey...

En Route Towards 2026 – OLA, SMA Events in Benin

On Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th April 2025 the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles and members of the Society of African Missions gathered...

Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter 2025

Readings: Acts 5:27- 32, 40- 41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 Theme: ‘Do you Love me?’ (Jn 21:15) By Michael McCabe. Today’s gospel from John gives...

With the Poor, for the Planet: Remembering Pope Francis

  Below we reprint the recent statement from the JPIC Commission of the International Union of Superiors General USG - UISG.  It is not only...

Reflection for the Funeral of Pope Francis – Saturday 26th April 2025 – Fr...

(Readings for Saturday 26th April: Acts 4:13-21; Ps 117:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15) There have been many – and no doubt will be more – views...

Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, Year 2025

Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-13,17-19; John 20:19 – 31 Theme: ‘My Lord and My God’ (John 20: 28) By Michael McCabe Today’s gospel reading from...

AFRICA/LIBERIA – Medical support for people with disabilities or in situations of extreme poverty

(Agenzia Fides) - For some years now, the parish of St. John Vianney in Foya, a remote strip of land in Liberia, with the...

Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: "Dearest...

EASTER HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

St Peter's Basilica Holy Saturday, 19 April 2025 READ BY CARDINAL GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE It is night, as the Paschal candle slowly advances towards the altar.  It...

2025 – Good Friday – Reflection

‘Walking along the path’ is a phrase taken by the French philosopher Emmanuel Falque from the interview given by Pope Francis to fellow Jesuit...

Homily for Easter Sunday, 2025

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Col 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Theme: ‘Christ has turned all our sunsets into dawn’ (St Clement of Alexandria). By Michael McCabe. We are...

SMA Journal – April 2025

This month's chapter of the SMA Journal begins with Tom Tom McEnery who has worked with the SMA in Wilton for over 60 years....

POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL 2025 | For the use of new technologies.

Technology should not benefit only the few Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity...

HOMILY AT THE FUNERAL MASS OF FR MATT O’CONNELL, SMA (2ND APRIL, 2025)

We are gathered here today to say farewell to our dear brother priest, a brother, an uncle and friend, Fr Matt O’Connell, SMA whom...

Palm Sunday Homily – Year C, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22: 14 – 23:56 Theme: ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord’ By Michael...

A Reflection for Lent

  A short poem reflecting on the meaning of Lent by the American poet Ann Weems. https://youtu.be/GzJGFkRXv7U  

Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent 2025

Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11 Theme: God of Mercy and Compassion By Michael McCabe   Mercy is the most striking manifestation of God’s love as revealed...

Father Matthew O’Connell, SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere, Father Matthew (Matt) O'Connell, SMA .  Fr Matthew...
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