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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
DROMANTINE RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE – 2025 PROGRAMME
Below is the 2025 Programme outlining nineteen events that will take place at the Centre in the coming months. Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre welcomes...
Reflection: On the readings for Saturday, Third Week of Lent (29th March 2025) –...
Readings: Hosea 5:15-6:6; Psalm 50:3-4,18-21; Luke 18:9-14
Prophets are expected to be passionate and Hosea does not disappoint today, treating us to a cocktail of...
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.
https://youtu.be/vFixAVshHe4
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2025
Readings: Joshua 5: 9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21;Luke 15:1-3,11-32
Theme: The Embrace of A Forgiving God
By Michael McCabe
In today’s gospel we heard the familiar parable of...
En Route Towards 2026 – An OLA – SMA Celebration
“En Route Towards 2026” is a historic triple milestone for the SMA and OLA. 2026 will mark:
170 Years of the Foundation of the Society of...
Reflection: On the readings for Saturday, Second Week of Lent (22nd March 2025) –...
Readings: Micah 7:14-15,18-20; Psalm 102:1-4, 9-12; Luke 15:1-3,11-32.
People are very familiar with the plot of the parable of The Prodigal Son a younger son claims...
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2025
Readings: Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12; Luke 13:1-9
Theme: The God of Second Chances
By: Michael McCabe, SMA
A priest in one of our Houses was...
THE MEANING OF LENT – Fr Michael McCabe SMA
A short reflection from Fr Michael McCabe on the meaning of Lent. It is only two and a half minutes long and was first...
Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year 2025
Readings: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36
Theme: The Transfiguration of Jesus
The transfiguration of Jesus has captured the imagination of artists down through the...
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2025 | For families in crisis
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.
the Pope...
SMA Journal – March 2025
In this month's chapter of the SMA Journal for March 2025 we begin by praying for Pope Francis using words written by Fr Kevin...
Father Michael Kidney, SMA [RIP]
It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere, Father Michael Kidney, SMA.
Fr Michael died peacefully in...
Prayer for Pope Francis
God, Father of mercies, as we begin our Lenten journey and look towards Easter we lift up to you Pope Francis. We pray for...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2025
In his Message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis reflects the theme of the Jubilee Year by inviting the faithful to use this season as...
SMA International News – March 2025
Welcome to the SMA International News for the month of March.
This month we have a report on a meeting of the SMA OLA Common Heritage Commission that took place recently in...
Reflection: The Ways of Wisdom and Innocence: A Reflection on the Readings for...
Readings: Ecclesiasticus:17:1-15, Ps. 102:13-18; Mark 10:13-16.
The readings today offer two ways to God – the way of wisdom and the way of innocence. As...
Homily for the 8th Sunday Homily of Ordinary Time: 2025
Readings: Ecclesiastes 27: 4-7; 1 Corinthians 15: 54-58; Luke 6:39-45
Theme: ‘If you want to change the world, start with yourself’ (Mahatma Gandhi)
Last Sunday’s...
AFRICA/SIERRA LEONE – “People are forced to travel almost 8 miles every Sunday to...
Fr Peddy Sinda SMA (left)is originally from Kabwe-Zambia. He was ordained on the 29th August,2020 and assigned to work in Sierra Leone.
(Article courtesy of...
The Vatican’s Stance on AI: Understanding Antiqua et Nova
In recent times the subject of Artificial intelligence has become a burning issue and a source of worry and fear for many. At the...
Homily for the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025
Readings: 1 Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38.
Theme: ‘Where there is hatred, let us sow love.’
There are many...
Cardinal Bernardin Gantin and his Roman and missionary heart
This article from Agenzia Fides and written by by Antonella Prenna tells of the great role that Cardinal Gantin has played in the development...
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...
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...
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,...
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2025 | For vocations to the priesthood and...
God still calls young people even today, sometimes in ways we can’t imagine.
“For vocations to the priesthood and religious life” is the theme of...
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking – 8 Feb
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking takes place every year on February 8th and coincides with the feast of St....
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...
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...
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...
Homily for the Feast of the Presentation, 2nd February 2025
Readings: Malachi: 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Theme: A Light of Revelation for all People
Our first reading from the prophet Malachi tells us that the...
Reflection for the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle – 25th January...
In his Apostolic Exhortation The Word of the Lord written after the 2009 Synod of Bishops on the Word of God – Pope Benedict...
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, 2025
Theme: May your Kingdom come on earth as in heaven.
Readings Nehemiah 8: 2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30; Luke 1 : 1-4; 4:14-21
There are...
RECRUITMENT – JUSTICE OFFICER
Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and Society of African Missions (SMA) wish to recruit a full-time Justice Officer. The Joint Justice Officer’s role is...
The Pope: The world is full of children who are “sacrificial victims” of abuse...
Below is edited text from a report published by Agenzia Fides on 15-1.25:
"Child abuse, of whatever nature, is a despicable act, it is...
SMA Journal – January 2025
Welcome to the first SMA Journal for 2025. This month we have three short video reports about the work and lives of Irish SMA's
Solar...
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2025
Theme: New wine in new wine-skins
Readings Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2: 1-11.
Too often Christianity has been wrongly presented, as a...
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY 2025 | For the right to an education
In this month Pope Francis asks us to pray for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which...
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee Year began on Christmas Eve 2024 and was marked by the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in the...
Homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 42: 1-4,6-7; Titus 2: 11-14, 3:4-7; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
Theme: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you’ (Lk...
HOMILY ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 6th January 2025
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Theme: ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage’ (Mt 2:2)
Today...
MISSIONARIES AND PASTORAL WORKERS KILLED IN 2024
Below is an edited version of an Agenzia Fides article written by Fabio Beretta and published on the 30/12/2024
“We can ask them: How did you...
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas 2024
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...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 58th WORLD DAY OF PEACE 1st...
Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace
I. Listening to the plea of an endangered humanity
1. At the dawn of this New Year given to...
Homily on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16:21
Theme: ‘The heart of a Mother is God’s loveliest masterpiece’ (St Thérèse of Lisieux)
(1st January 2025)
I’m sure...
Video Recordings of Presentations delivered at the 5th Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice
The 2024 Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice took place on the 17th of October. The theme of this year's event was, "Climate Justice Who...
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people....
NATIVITY
Adverts announcing the ‘magic of Christmas’ alert us – starting earlier every year it seems – to the markets and merchandise of the mid-winter...
A Reflection for the fourth Week of Advent – Fr Paddy O’Rourke SMA
This is the fourth and last in our series of video reflections for the Season of Advent given by Fr Paddy O'Rourke SMA, Leader...
SMA Journal – December
Welcome to the SMA Journal for December, a short video medley of stories and SMA events.
First, we hear about Cork City Missing Persons...
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent – Year C
Readings: Micah 3:1-4a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Lk 1: 34-45
Theme: Mary, the Most Blessed of all women
In last Sunday’s liturgy it was John the Baptist,...
Towards a Synodal Church in Mission – a video summary of the final document
This is the fourth video in the series of presentations prepared and delivered by Fr Michael McCabe SMA on the Synod. In this he...
A Reflection for the third Week of Advent – Fr Noel O’Leary SMA
This is the third in our series of short video reflections on the Season of Advent from SMA Fathers. This one, is given by...
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C, 2025
Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18
Theme: Rejoice, the Lord is near
Today, Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday, the theme of joy naturally dominates the liturgy....
DECEMBER 2024 | For pilgrims of hope
For pilgrims of hope is the prayer intention chosen by Pope Francis for the month of December. It is a special invitation within the context...
A HOMILY FOR SMA FOUNDATION DAY – DECEMBER 2024
(Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 168 years ago, Mgr Melchior de Marion Brésillac founded the Society of African...
A Picture of the SMA Founder
SMA Foundation Day – the 8th of December is when SMA Missionaries all around the world celebrate and remember the fact that, in 1856,...
A Reflection for the Second Week of Advent – Fr Michael O’Leary SMA
This is the second in our series of short video reflections on the Season of Advent from SMA Fathers. This one, just over two...
LEX INNOCENTIUM – The Law of the Innocents, 21st Century
In this season of Advent, a time of preparing for the coming of Christ, whose birth the Gospel tells us was welcomed by Angels...
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C
Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
Theme: Prepare the Way of the Lord
Advent is not a penitential season in the same sense that Lent is....
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – Dec 2024
Welcome to the December edition of the SMA International News for 2024. This month we have a report from Nigeria, where the Catholic Diocese...
A Reflection for the first week of Advent – Fr John Denvir SMA
This is the first in a series of four short video reflections on the Season of Advent delivered by SMA Fathers. This one is...
Father Martin O’Hare, SMA [RIP]
It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere, Father Martin O’Hare, SMA.
Fr Martin died peacefully in...
Father Edward Peter BERMINGHAM, SMA (1916 – 1953)
We look back many decades in an article researched and written by Fr. Basil Babatunde Soyoye, SMA a Nigerian SMA Missionary who is now...
Towards a Synodal Church in Mission
(The Final Document of the Synod on Synodality)
by Michael McCabe SMA
Introduction
The second universal session of the Synod on Synodality took place in Rome,...
SMA Journal
Welcome to what we plan to be one of many SMA Journals – short video accounts of SMA events and happenings in the present...
Update so far on COP29
Below is an update provided by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice on Mon 18 Nov 2024. It provides a brief overview of...
Holy See to COP29: Indifference is an accomplice to injustice
Below is an article written by Francesca Merlo in the Vatican Newsletter of Nov 14th in which she reports on the address made to...
Fr Michael Waters, SMA, RIP.
Below is the text of the homily preached by Fr Colm O Shea SMA at the requiem Mass for Fr Michael Waters.
1966 was a...
NOVEMBER 2024 | For those who have lost a child
In his prayer intention for November, the Pope invites us to pray that “all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find...
Homily for the 32nd Sunday Year B 2024
Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12: 38-44.
Theme: ‘To give and not to count the cost.’ (St Ignatius of Loyola).
Widows feature prominently in...
Fr Michael Waters SMA [RIP]
The death has taken place of Fr Michael Waters, SMA. Fr Michael died peacefully with his family around him at the SMA House, African...
COP 29 – its hard to be hopeful
The UN's 29th Climate Change Conference of Peoples (Cop 29) will take place from the 11 to the 22nd of Nov. The under-whelming progress...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – Nov 2024
Welcome to the SMA International News for November. In this edition we hear about a visit by a group of young people from Turin...
Reflection on Readings for All Souls Day, Sat 12 November 2024 – Fr Kevin...
Readings: Is 25:6-9; Ps. 26 varia; Rom 5:5-11; Mk 15:33-39, 16:1-6
After celebrating the Communion of Saints yesterday we turn today to the Commemoration of...
Homily for the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2024
Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 12: 28b-34
Theme: ‘Without love, I am nothing’ (1 Cor 13:2).
In today’s gospel passage from Mark, a scribe...
2024 Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice
Climate Breakdown: Who Cares? This was the theme for the 5th Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice Conference that took place online on the morning...
Homily for 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52
Theme: The courageous faith of Bartimaeus
Today’s gospel reading recounts one of the most fascinating miracle stories in...
Message of the Holy Father for World Mission Sunday 2024
The following is the Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 98th World Mission Day, to be held on Sunday 20 October 2024...
Homily for the 29th Sunday Year B, 2024
Readings: Is 53:10-11; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45
Today’s gospel reading opens with Jesus and his disciples on the road, heading for Jerusalem. Jesus has just...
Father Pier Luigi Maccalli: “I return home after 6 years between tears of joy...
(Agenzia Fides) - "The thread of my presence in Niger (of 11 uninterrupted years) was broken on September 17, 2018 with the kidnapping. Exactly...
Reflection on Readings for Sat 12 October 2024 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA
Readings: Gal 3:22-29; Ps 104:2-7; Lk 11:27-28.
Today’s Gospel text is one of the shortest readings in the Lectionary. Jesus’s commendation of course contains an...
Homily for the 28th Sunday, Year 2024
Readings: Wisdom 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
Theme: True Wisdom
A few days ago I had an interesting conversation with a friend about an underrated...
OCTOBER 2024 | For a shared mission
This month Pope Francis asks up to pray that the Church continues to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – Oct 2024
Welcome to this edition of SMA International News For the Month of October 2024.
In this edition we hear about a recent event in Côte d'Ivoire. ...
SMA PARISH WILTON – Support for the Trócaire Gaza Appeal
On Sunday 8 September, the Annual International Fun Day took place in St Joseph’s Parish Wilton. It was a day to celebrate the international,...
RECRUITMENT: Director SMA Dromantine Retreat & Conference Centre
The Society of African Missions is seeking to recruit a Director to will lead and manage all business operations and hospitality services within the...
Homily for the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2024
Readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16
Theme: Married Love
Our readings today invite us to reflect on the theme of married love. The first...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 110th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND...
God walks with his people
Dear brothers and sisters!
Last 29 October marked the conclusion of the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General...
Presentation of the Holy Father’s Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees...
Tomorrow is World Day of Migrants and Refugees a day that celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee...
NOVENA in honour of St Threrese – join Ceremonies from Dromantine and...
Monday September 23rd to Tuesday 1st of October.
Ceremonies are taking place at SMA House Dromantine, County Down and at the SMA Parish, Blackrock...
Homily for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
Theme: Anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name ...will certainly not lose their reward.
Readings: 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:...
Fr Jeremiah MORAN SMA – Martyr of Evangelization
This article was written by Fr Basil Soyoye, a Nigerian SMA Missionary now based in Castelnaudary, France. It tells the story of one of...
Homily for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
Readings: Wis 2:12,17-20; James 3:16 – 4:3; Mk 9:30-37
Theme: True Greatness
The theme of today’s readings might be summed up in these words of...
“Diversity is a great wealth”: a missionary leaving for a new experience of faith
Below is an article first published by Agenzia Fides and written by Anselmo Fabiano an SMA Seminarian from Italy. On the 25th of June...
Reflection for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Sat Sept 14...
Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, Ps. 77:1-2, 34-38, John 3:13-17
When you enter through the North door the ground falling away before you as you face...
National Novena in honour of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus 2024
The Novena at St Joseph’s Church Blackrock Road, Cork, takes place from Monday September 23rd to Tuesday 1st of October.
Mass will be at...
Homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary time, Year B
Readings: Is 50:5-9; James 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35
Theme: The true Identity and Mission of Jesus
Caesarea Philippi, the setting of today’s gospel is located on...
SEPTEMBER 2024 | For the cry of the earth.
The Prayer intention for September coincides with the Season of Creation. Pope Francis invites us to pray for the care of the planet and...
Homily for the 23rd Sunday, Year B
Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:1-5 and Mark 7:31-37.
In the gospel today Jesus meets a man who is deaf and also has a speech impediment....
SEASON OF CREATION 2024 – Explainer and Events.
“Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – Sept 2024
This month we go to Ivory Coast to hear about training of young people, aged between 8 and 16, in the values of peace...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE...
“Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September 2024. The...
Reflection on Readings for Sat 31 August 2024 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA
Readings: 1Cor 1:26-31; Ps 32: 12-13, 18-21; Matt 25:14-30.
We have a wonderful seam of spirituality in today’s selection of scriptural readings. Paul, the master...
Homily for the 22nd Sunday, Year B
Readings: Deut 4:1-2,6-8; James 1;17-18,21-22,27; Mk 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Theme: Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
Today’s first reading is taken from...
Caring for the wonders of Creation – in Wilton Parish
Even though it has not been a great summer life goes one and much is happening, even though we may not notice. As we...
Homily for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024, Year B
Readings: Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69
Theme: Lord, to Whom shall we go?
In today’s Gospel we are being asked to make a...
A new Resource page on Synodality
Over the last year Fr Michael McCabe SMA has written and published a series of thee articles on the topic of Synodality. These were...
AFRICA/ANGOLA – Father Avò’s mission: to find people as Jesus found them, even in...
This article was first published by Agenzia Fides in July 2024
"Without catechists, nothing can be done here," says Father Renzo Adorni, a missionary in...
My First Missionary Experience as an SMA Priest
Over the last month three articles, written by SMA Seminarians at various stages in their training, were published. This time, in the last of...
Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, 2024
Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
Theme: The life-giving bread of Jesus
Today’s gospel reading continues where last Sunday’s ended with Jesus identifying himself...
Irish Ambassador to Nigeria visits SMA House Blackrock Road
On 31 July 2024 the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan and his wife Teresa, made a visit to the SMA Community in Blackrock...
Reflection on Readings for Sat 10 August 2024 – Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA
Readings: 2 Cor 9:6-10 Ps 111 John 12:24-26
We have heard a lot already – and will hear a lot more in the months and...
My Journey to the SMA – FVC Newsletter 2024
This is the third article in this series about SMA Seminarians that was first published in the recent edition of the Family Vocations Community...
Homily for the 19th Sunday, Ordinary time Year B, 2024
Readings: I Kings 19:4-8; Ephesians 4:30 – 5:2; John 6:41-51
Theme: Food for the Journey of Life
We normally think of the prophets as strong,...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – August 2024
Welcome to this new edition of our SMA News for this month of August 2024. In this edition we go to Poland where a...
AUGUST 2024 | For political leaders
Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking...
CHAINS, DESERT AND FREEDOM- An interview with Fr. Luigi Maccalli SMA
The 17th September, 2018 is a day that Fr Luigi Maccalli SMA will never forget. On that evening, a gang of armed mujahidin kidnapped...