SMA JOURNAL – October 2026

In the October 26 Chapter of the SMA Journal we travel to Newry, Co Down to hear about how 100 years of SMA Presence...

Homily for the 29th Sunday of the Year: 2026

World Mission Sunday Readings: Isaiah 45:1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21 Theme: ‘One in Christ, United in Mission’ (Pope Leo XIV) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today, World...

VATICAN – Sister Mary Teresa Barron OLA appointed adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for...

VATICAN - Sister Mary Teresa Barron appointed adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization and president of the Pontifical Mission Societies Vatican City (Fides...

Pope Leo XIV: Let us celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday with...

Below is a link to a video message delivered by Pope Leo XIV in preparation for World Mission Sunday (18 October), established 100 years...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION For mental health ministry | September 2026

Pope Leo, in his prayer intention for this month, invites us to pray for mental health ministry, so that we may know how to...

Homily for the 28th Sunday of the Year 2026

Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10; Philippians 4:12-14,19-20; Matthew 22:1-14 Theme: Invited to the Wedding Feast of the Son By Michael McCabe, SMA Jesus favourite way of teaching...

AFRICA/BENIN – Families forming missionary seminarians: small, concrete steps to overcome conflict and build...

Calavi (Fides News Agency) – On Thursday, 1 October, the international year of spirituality for 42 seminarians of the Society of African Missions (SMA)...

Homily for the 27th Sunday of Year A

Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43 Theme: Tenants in God’s Vineyard By Michael McCabe, SMA The images of vines and vineyards loom large in the...

Dromantine 100 Celebrations

Dromantine Seminary officially opened its doors 100 years ago today – on the 29th of September 1926.  Forty- seven seminarians transferred from the SMA...

Nigeria: “Some Christian communities could disappear”: The bishop trying to keep the faith alive...

Below is a summary of a recent article published by the Mexican, Catholic News platform, “Press Crux. ”  There is a link to the...

100 years of SMA Dromantine – Homily by Fr Eamonn Finnegan SMA

Below is the the text of the homily delivered by Fr Eamonn Finnegan SMA during a Mass, to mark the centenary of the SMA's...

Homily for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32 Theme: Change Today’s Gospel reminds us of how people can change their minds, or their way of life, for...

NOVENA in honour of St Thérèse – join Ceremonies from Dromantine and Blackrock Road...

The Annual SMA Novena in honour of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus takes place from the 23rd of September until the 1st of...

Reflection for Saturday 19th September 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49; Psalm 55; Luke 8:4-15 The disciples were wondering and worrying why things weren’t developing quickly enough – would the Kingdom...

SMA JOURNAL – September 2026

In this chapter of the SMA Journal we look back at just one very significant event in the history of the SMA Irish Province....

Homily for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Philippians 1:20-24,27; Matthew 20:1-16 Theme: ‘Why be envious because I am generous’ (Mt 20:16) By Michael McCabe, SMA Our readings last Sunday...

Father Sebastião Moniz Dejoro: first Angolan priest of the Society for African Missions

(Fides News Agency) – “I am bringing Angola into the SMA, just as the SMA was brought to Angola by the first missionaries.” These...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION For the care of water | September 2026

Water is a sacred gift that sustains life. We see a sign of God’s generosity in water. It quenches our thirst and makes the...

Homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 27:33 – 28:7; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35 Theme: ‘To err is human, to forgive divine ‘ (A. Pope) By Michael McCabe, SMA Forgiveness is...

Catholics, Copts, Muslims: Latin Bishop of Alexandria on Christianity in Egypt

Below is a link to an interesting article written by Joseph Tulloch for Vatican News.  It outlines the Church’s relations with the Coptic Orthodox...

Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Ezekiel33:7-9; Romans13:8-10;Matthew18:15-20 Theme: Speaking the truth in love By Michael McCabe, SMA The theme of today’s scripture readings is at odds with the commonly...

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV FOR THE 11th WORLD DAY OF PRAYER...

 “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4)  Dear Brothers and Sisters, Our Lord Jesus Christ came...

Reflection for Saturday 29th August 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings :  Jeremiah 1:17-19; Psalm 70; Mark 6:17-29 The title of today’s Memorial taken from the Missal is The Passion of Saint John the Baptist....

Homily for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 Theme: The Cost of Discipleship By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s gospel reading presents us with a rather unflattering...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION August 2026 – For evangelization in the city

Today’s cities are filled with contrasts. They are places of freedom and opportunity, as well as anonymity and loneliness for many who live in...

SMA JOURNAL – AUGUST 2026

In the August 2026 Chapter of the SMA Journal we:  - Remember the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Fr Augustin Planque SMA - First...

Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 Theme: ‘But who do you say I am?’ (Mt 16:15) By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s gospel reading begins...

Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 Theme: ‘Woman, great is your Faith’ (Mt 15:28) By Michael McCabe, SMA. There is no more powerful force...

Reflection for Saturday 8th August 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: Habakkuk 1:12-2-4; Psalm 9; Matthew 17:14-20. Today’s first reading is taken from one of the minor prophets, Habakkuk, where we hear some of the...

Homily for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 Theme: Faith in Stormy Times By Michael McCabe, SMA It’s never easy to keep faith but...

At Fourvière, the SMA–OLA Jubilee Pilgrimage in France Concludes in Joy and Hope

In 2026 the Society of African Missions and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles celebrate a triple anniversary: the 170th anniversary of the...

US House bill calls to halt aid to Nigeria over anti-Christian violence

by Cosimo Graziani  (Fides News Agency) – The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that aims to halt US aid to Nigeria in...

Homily for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 8:35.37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 Theme: Feeding the Hungry By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s gospel recounts the miracle of the multiplication of the...

The 200th Anniversary of Fr Augustin Planque SMA

This year, one of the triple Anniversaries that both the OLA Sisters and SMA Fathers celebrate is the birth of Fr Augustine Planque SMA,...

Homily for the 17th Sunday of Year A, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew: 13:44-52 Theme: Hidden treasure By Michael McCabe, SMA A few years ago I came across a fable that...

Growing social alarm across Africa over the damage caused by illegal mining

by Cosimo Graziani (Fides News Agency) – Liberia has announced the establishment of a task force to combat illegal mining. The new body, called the...

SMA JOURNAL – July 2026

In this chapter of the SMA Journal we celebrate Jubilees in Dromantine and the return of Frs Paddy Barry and Martin O’Farrell to Ireland,...

Homily for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Readings: Wisdom 12:13.16-19; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43 Theme: The Patience of God By Michael McCabe, SMA Today’s readings highlight a virtue that is fast disappearing...

Reflection for Feast of Saint Benedict, Saturday 11 July 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman...

Readings: Proverbs 2:1-9; Psalm 33; Matthew 19:27-29 Today we celebrate Saint Benedict, a figure renowned for his role in establishing monasticism in the Latin church...

Homily for the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23 Theme: Nurturing the Seed of God’s Word By Michael McCabe, SMA Jesus’ favourite way of teaching was by...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION July 2026 – For respect for human life

Human life is a sacred gift that merits to be welcomed, protected and cared for in all its stages. Nevertheless, indifference, exclusion and violence...

A Shepherd Marked by the Spirit: Archbishop Dennis, SMA, Receives the Pallium

By Pierre-Paul Dossekpli On June 29th, in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Most Rev. Dennis Kofi Agbenyadzi, SMA — newly appointed Archbishop of the Archdiocese...

SMA International Spiritual Year, Calavi – 48 Students complete the programme

The SMA House at Calavi is located about 18 kilometers north of Cotonou, the capital of Benin. It is here that the SMA International...

Homily for the 14th Sunday Year 2026

Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9.11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 Theme: The Gentle Yoke of Jesus By Michael McCabe, SMA On the night of October 11, 1962, a...

Marking a Memorable Milestone – Fr Peter McCawille SMA

The text below was first published as an article in the African Missionary Newsletter,  No 47, Spring-Summer 2026.  As we travel along the pathway of...

The 167th Anniversary of the SMA Founders Death

June 25th 2026 marks the 167th Anniversary of the death of the SMA Founder, the Venerable Melchior de Marion Brésillac in 1859.  He and...

Homily for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year A – 2026

Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16; Romans 6: 3-4,8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 Theme: The Cost of Discipleship By Michael McCabe, SMA. The main theme of today’s gospel reading...

SMA Media Centre, Ndola, Zambia – Fr Tom Casey SMA

The SMA Media Centre, Ndola Zambia, was founded by Fr Tom Casey SMA in 1999. Since then it has served as a vital hub...

Homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33 Theme:  ‘Fear not’  (Mt 10:28) Fr Michael McCabe SMA  In March 2018, Fr Tony Coote, a 53 year old Dublin...

SMA JOURNAL – JUNE 2026

This month’s Journal begins with the SMA Annual Pilgrimage to Knock – the 46th occasion that this has taken place. Next, we journey with...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE 2026 | For the values of sports

In this month’s prayer, the Holy Father invites us to pray “for the values of sports” so we “discover in sport a universal language...

Homily for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings:  Exodus 19:2-6; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36-10:8 Theme: The Compassion of Jesus By: Fr Michael McCabe SMA  God’s tender love and compassion for his creatures is the...

OLA SMA – Together let us proclaim the Good News

The short video below gives an overview of the four Anniversaries taking place in 2026, that make this year a special one for the...

Reflection for Saturday 6 June 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Readings: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 70:8-9, 14-17, 22; Mark 12:38-44. ‘Christ has said that he is truth, not fashion’. This saying of Tertullian is in...

Homily for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) 2026

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2-3.14b-16a; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58 Theme: Keeping Alive the Blessed Memory of Jesus By Michael McCabe, SMA. In his book, Why Go...

Irish Province Supporting SMA Projects in Africa

Every year, the Irish Province of the SMA uses donations received to support projects in Parishes run by SMA Missionaries in Africa. Grants are...

NIGERIA – Nine dead and 25 kidnapped in three months in attacks against parish...

Abuja (Fides News Agency) – At least nine people have been killed and another 25 kidnapped in the last three months in various attacks...

SMA PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK 2026

Saturday 23rd of May was a big day in the OLA and SMA calendar. The 46th SMA Pilgrimage to Knock took place and it...

Homily on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2026

Readings: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18 Theme: ‘God of tenderness and compassion’ (Ex 34:6) By Michael McCabe, SMA. Some of you may...

ENCYCLICAL – “Magnifica humanitas” and the risk of the digital age becoming “colonial in...

Vatican City (Fides News Agency) — By dating his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on May 15, Pope Leo XIV deliberately places himself within a...

International Meeting of SMA Superiors in Lagos Nigeria

The SMA Plenary Council 2026 began on Monday, 18 May 2026, at the EHJ Domus Fidei in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Participants received a warm...

Reflection for Saturday 23 MAY 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Acts of the Apostles 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 10; John 21:20-25 The Revised New Jerusalem Bible (which will be the version of the new Lectionary) has...

SMA Deacons Ordained in Ibadan, Nigeria

By Pierre-Paul Dossekpli This Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Archbishop of Ibadan, Gabriel Abegunrin, ordained five members of the Society of African Missions as deacons...

Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, 2026

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...

SMA Journal – May 2026

The May SMA Journal begins with a report about the visit of past pupils of St Finbarr’s School, Lagos to the grave of their...

Over 100 dead, 98,000 displaced, 217 churches destroyed in the diocese of Wukari

 (Fides News Agency) – “Since September, over 98,000 people, including 16 priests, have been displaced due to the ongoing violence in the southern part...

The Society of African Missions celebrates Mary’s Month

This year's Novena of Prayer to Our Lady takes place from Friday 15th to Saturday 23rd May.   Mass and Novena Prayers will take place...

Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension 2026

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20 Theme: “Go therefore, make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:18) By Michael McCabe, SMA. During the Spring of 2008...

THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY 2026 | That everyone might have food

Today, millions of people continue to suffer from hunger. This threatens the dignity of the most vulnerable and questions the way we live and...

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter 2026

Readings:  Acts 8:5-8,14-17; 1Peter 3:15-18; Jn 14: 15-21 Theme:  ‘I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you’ (Jn 14:18) By Michael McCabe,...

A Legacy not forgotten

Fr Denis Slattery SMA was born in 1916 in Fermoy, County Cork.  He was ordained in 1939 and spent 55 years as a missionary...

Reflection for Saturday 2 MAY 2026 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA

Memorial of Saint Athanasius Readings: Acts of the Apostles 13:44-52; Psalm 97:1-4; Gospel of John 14:7-14  Today’s first reading – from Acts of the Apostles –...

Homily on the 5th Sunday of Easter, 2026

Readings: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12 Theme: Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life By Michael McCabe, SMA. The context of today’s...

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...
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