Is Risen
The feet that danced
at Cana's wedding feast,
are held down,
are pierced.
The hands that reached for Peter
when his walk on water failed,
are stretched across the wood,
are...
Good Friday Reflection
The feet that danced
At Cana’s wedding feast,
Are now held down,
Are pierced.
The hands that held
When sinking Peter failed,
Are stretched across the wood,
Are nailed.
The voice...
A Reflection for Holy Thursday 2022 – Year C
14 April 2022
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ...
“Let us not grow tired of doing good”
Just a week after it began I flicked between news channels. In disbelief, I saw destroyed buildings, soldiers, tanks, explosions and people whose lives...
SMA SUMMER SCHOOL 2022
You are cordially invited to attend the SMA Summer School 2022.
The event will take place online on Saturday 18th and the morning of Sunday...
SMA International News – April
Welcome to the April edition of the SMA International News which, this month, brings us three reports as well as the usual round-up of...
Three Catholic priests in Nigeria kidnapped in March alone
SMA Involvement in Nigeria goes back well more than a century. Father Joseph Oswald Timothée Waller, S.M.A. was appointed Prefect of Eastern Nigerian in...
International Response by the SMA to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
Since 24 February, 2022 we have witnessed a level of aggression, death, violence, suffering and destruction not seen in Europe since World War II....
Act of Consecration of humanity, and Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of...
Pope Francis has called on the Catholic faithful throughout the world to join him tomorrow – Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord –...
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The 21st March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 Black people at...
HELP FOR REFUGEES “A combined Community Evert”
On a Monday evening 7th March after viewing the devastating news from Ukraine the Staff of the SMA Parish Centre met with Fr. Michael...
African Catholic leader says Church needs to better tap into the qualities of women
Marie-Laure Abotcha-Boni, is a member of the National Contact team for the Synodal process in Côte d'Ivoire. In an interview with La Croix Africa,...
To Prepare His Ways
To Prepare His Ways. Patrick J Harrington SMA. (Cork: SMA Publications, 2021). Pp. 416.
Entering St. Patrick’s building in Maynooth and turning right towards the...
The salvation of Africa and its children comes from African women
“The salvation of Africa and its children comes from African women who remain faithful to their mission as guardians of life and the family:...
MARCH | For a Christian response to bioethical challenges
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.
We should...
8 March — International Women’s Day
DID YOU KNOW
Seventy per cent of the 1.3 billion people living in conditions of poverty are women. In urban areas, 40 per cent of...
SMA International News – March
Welcome to the March edition of the SMA International News which, this month, brings us three reports as well as the usual round-up of...
ASH WEDNESDAY HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
Basilica of Santa Sabina
Ash Wednesday, 2 March 2022
Cardinal Parolin read the homily Pope Francis had prepared for the occasion
Today, as we embark on the...
SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE – St Joseph’s SMA Parish Wilton, Cork
Today, Ash Wednesday Pope Francis has called on all to pray for Peace in Ukraine. “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves...
PRAY FOR PEACE in Ukraine – an Invitation from Pope Francis
The people of Ukraine are at this moment enduring the harshness of a more powerful aggressor, Russia, under its leader President Vladimir Putin. Peoples...
Human trafficking, an ancient crime that makes use of modern social media
"Trafficking is not just being taken from one country to another country and then become a slave. Trafficking is when someone owns someone else’s...
FEBRUARY | For religious sisters and consecrated women
We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to...
A Memory of Fr Terry Gunn by his brother Pat Gunn
Fr Terry Gunn died two years ago on 10 February 2020 in the Cork University Hospital. He was 84 years old. He was ordained...
Labour Trafficking and Supply Chains – part two
The $43.4 billion per annum that accrues from forced labour is the root cause motivating Traffickers to enslave human beings. Stopping these profits is...
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING – Labour Trafficking and Supply Chains
Today, 8 February, the international anti-human trafficking network, Thalita Kum, invite you to participate in an eight-hour online Marathon of Prayer and Awareness against...
SMA International News – February 2022
Welcome to the February edition of the SMA International News which, this month, brings us four reports as well as the usual round- up...
Memory of Catholic Africa
"We will never stop praising the work of catechists in Africa", writes SMA Father Basil Soyoye, from Nigeria, regarding the 'Memory of Catholic Africa'...
Nigerian Christians dying for their faith
Open Doors International, a non-denominational organization that assists persecuted Christians around the globe, has issued an annual report in which it claims a record...
SMA and OLA Justice Work – a look back at 2020
Since 2014 collaboration between the SMA and OLA Justice and Communications Offices has grown. This has been facilitated by the establishment of a Joint...
Living with the Spirit
The parishioners of St Joseph’s SMA parish, Wilton, Cork, Ireland, have produced a series of daily reflections to guide you through the week.
They are...
JANUARY | Religious discrimination and persecution
Pope Francis opens his first prayer intention of 2022 with two direct and incisive questions which cry out for an answer: “How is it...
SMA International News – January 2022
Greetings dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy New Year from the SMA International News Team and welcome to the first Monthly News Edition of 2022.
This...
Bethlehem: The reckless generosity of God
Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA preached the following homily at the Christmas Day Mass in the SMA House, Wilton, Cork. Though the Christmas celebrations are...
SMA CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT of Music and Readings
On Thursday 23rd December SMA Parish Wilton hosted an online Service of Carols and Readings.
Over 500 people tuned in. To view a recording...
To Prepare His Ways – Tracing the Life of Melchior de Marion Brésillac –...
This new book written by Bishop Patrick Harrington SMA was published on the 8th of December 2021, the 165th Anniversary of the foundation of...
Fr Thomas Treacy SMA – Funeral homily
Fr Tom Treacy, SMA, died peacefully in the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit at the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork on Saturday, 11...
Fr Thomas Treacy SMA – RIP
Fr Thomas (Tom) Treacy SMA passed to his eternal reward on Saturday evening, 11 December 2021. Fr Tom died in the St Theresa's Nursing...
HOMILY FOR SMA FOUNDATION DAY
Today, 8th of December 2021 is the 165th Anniversary of the founding of the Society of African Missions. Below is the text of the...
SMA International News – December 2021
This month we have news from Ireland - we hear about the work of Fr Alphonse Sekongo, from Ivory Coast and who came to...
Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may...
In his prayer intention for December Pope Francis tells us that Catechists have an invaluable mission for the transmission and growth of the faith.
In...
ADVENT REFLECTIONS
This page contains the eight Advent Reflections from SMA Fathers and an OLA Sister. These were written and recorded for Advent in 2020 a...
Fr Tom Kearney SMA – Funeral homily
Fr Tom Kearney died unexpectedly at his brother’s home in Ardee, Co Louth, on Monday, 22 November 2021. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in...
Fr Thomas (Tom) Kearney SMA
The SMA is mourning the unexpected death of Fr Tom Kearney SMA which took place on Monday, 22 November 2021, at the residence of...
Pope: Justice and peace must overcome political, economic contradictions
During an online meeting of of Justice and Peace Commissions of various national Bishops’ Conferences, hosted by The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human...
SMA Wilton Parish remembers
The SMA Wilton Parish community are remembering the Souls of the Faithful Departed with a daily Mass at 10am (Monday - Saturday) and 10.30am...
SMA Wilton responds generously to an All-Ireland Winner
During the month of October, the month of Mission, the community of St. Joseph's SMA Parish, Wilton, Cork, undertook the challenge of supporting one...
Dromantine remembers
We have loved them in life; let us not forget them in death
During the month of November we are especially mindful of our loved...
The rapidly-growing archdiocese in Nigeria’s capital turns 40
Writing from Nigeria, Lucie Sarr of La Croix International reports on how Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja paid tribute to all those who have built...
Pope Francis asks us to pray that people who suffer from depression or burn‐out...
In his prayer intention for the month of November Pope Francis expresses his closeness to all those who are feeling overwhelmed in their daily life,...
Sunday Mass – 7th of November 2021
Mass this Sunday is celebrated by Fr Denis Ryan SMA who worked in Ghana for many years and who is now a member of...
Dromantine SMA Annual Remembrance Mass 2021
We have loved them in life; let us not forget them in death
During the month of November we are especially mindful of our...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – November 2021
The November edition of SMA International News brings us stories from the Italian Province and developments there. These include new mission appointments from the...
Eternal Rest grant to them, O Lord
November, beginning with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, is traditionally the month in which the Church remembers the dead and in...
Month of Mission – Sunday Mass 31st October
This week we bring you the last in the series of Sunday Liturgies to celebrate October the month of Mission, on this occasion led...
COP26 – What is it all about – What is at stake
Over the next few weeks our TV’s, News programmes and Social Media will be dominated by the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow taking...
These Are the Knees – A Reflection
This Reflection is inspired by a Crucifix in the Church of the Holy Spirit at Dennehy’s Cross, Cork. Carved from rosewood, the crucifix was...
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2021 – MESSAGE FROM POPE FRANCIS
“We cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard” (At 4:20)
Dear brothers and sisters,
when we experience the power of God’s love, when...
MISSION SUNDAY – MASS
Continuing our series to mark October the Month of Mission - this week we bring you Mass for MISSION SUNDAY celebrated by Fr Christopher...
Month of Mission – Sunday Mass
This month being Mission Month we are continuing with an emphasis on going out to plant the seed of the Gospel. Therefore Fr Dónal...
Kidnapped Colombian Sister freed in Mali
Franciscan Sister, Gloria Cécilia Narvaez, who was held captive for a period with SMA Fr Pierluigi Maccalli, has - after 4 years and 8...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – October 20212
Welcome to the October SMA International News. In this edition we cover stories from the UK, Poland and Rome.
This month we begin in Poland...
Month of Mission – Sunday Mass
This Sunday we again bring you liturgy celebrated by Fr Tom Casey at the Oratory in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. This Mass is celebrated for,...
Forty religious leaders join Pope Francis in a plea for the planet
By Loup Besmond de Senneville | Vatican City for La Croix
Leaders from the world's major faiths gather at the Vatican and call for an...
Pope Francis calls Christians to bear witness with their lives in a way that...
In The Pope Video for October, Pope Francis asks all people to be missionary disciples in their everyday life, in their daily work, bearing witness to...
It is the responsibility of all baptized to spread the Gospel.
To mark the beginning of October, the month of Mission, we bring you a few paragraphs written by Fr Tom Casey and a link...
Safeguarding Sunday – October 3rd
Sunday, October 3rd has been designated as the Irish Catholic Church’s Day for Life. In the Society of African Missions, it is also Safeguarding...
The vital role of Catechists in the Church
Last May, Pope Francis established the ministry of catechists (Antiquum ministerium). Fr Walter Maccalli SMA, who has served as a missionary in the Ivory...
An illuminating and binding light
The Gospel of Saint John, the ‘spiritual Gospel’, can sometimes confound the reader with its multiplicity and interweaving of themes. A new book uses...
World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2021
Every year the World Day of Migrants and Refugees takes place on the last Sunday of September. The Church has marked this day since...
NATIONAL NOVENA in honour of St Therese of the Child Jesus
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus – The Little Flower – Patroness of the Missions.The Icon: For our 2021 National Novena in honour of...
The second CORK CONFERENCE ON INTERGENERATIONAL CLIMATE JUSTICE,
“Hope for the Future: System Change, Not Climate Change”;
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021 via Zoom.
This conference is for anybody interested in the Climate Crisis,...
An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle – Video Message of Pope Francis for September
Pope Francis asks that we lead a simple and ecologically sustainable lifestyle
In the Pope Video for September, Francis issues an urgent exhortation for us to...
MINDFUL STEPS – in Gougane Barra
Gougane Barra
is a settlement and place of pilgrimage west of Macroom in County Cork, Ireland. The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr,...
Dromantine in bloom 2021
During this time, the Season of Creation, we focus on Pope Francis call on all of us to "hear the cry of the earth...
FAMILY VOCATIONS COMMUNITY (FVC) Thanksgiving Mass 2021
To view this event, giving thanks for the SMA Missionaries Ordained this year and which took place on Sunday 5th of September click on...
Biodiversity Awareness Campaign 30th Aug to 10th Sept
To Mark the Season of Creation (1st of Sept. to 4th Oct.) the Society of African Missions (SMA) and the Sisters of Our Lady...
Dromantine resumes…
The arrival of Covid-19 in March of last year forced the closure of our Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre near Newry, Co Down. Many...
Former hostage, Father Maccalli: Pray for captives held in the Sahel.
Vatican News Report by Amedeo Lomonaco and Vatican News English Africa Service.
Italian Priest Fr. Pierluigi Maccalli, a member of the Society of African Missions, kidnapped...
CHURCH ON THE WAY – Video Message of Pope Francis for August 21
The Pope Video for August is about the Church’s specific vocation—evangelization—and about the need for a reform which, according to Francis, must begin with...
Ireland’s Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in 2020
Over the past week, since World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on the 30th of July, we have published daily articles linking to videos...
Human Trafficking: Protecting Victims in Ireland – TIP Video 6
Today we conclude our video series on based on the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) published by the US State Department in June...
TRAFFICKING – Prevention in Ireland – Tip Report Video 5
We continue today with the 5th in our series of videos based on the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) published by the US...
Human Trafficking – Law Enforcement – TIP Report Video 4
Today we bring you the 4th in a series of six videos based on the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) published by the...
Human Trafficking IRELAND’S RANKING – TIP Report Video 3
Today we bring you the third in a series of six videos based on the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) published by the...
Human Trafficking in the Global Pandemic – TIP Report Video 2
The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly exacerbated Human Trafficking by increasing vulnerabilities, especially for those who are already at risk as well as reducing efforts...
IRELAND’S RESPONSE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING – TIP Report Video 1
The latest edition of the annual Trafficking in Persons Report was published by the US State Department in June 2021. Globally this publication is...
World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2021
World Day against Trafficking in Persons is held on July 30th each year. This year the theme set by the UN is “Victims’ Voices...
Fr Joseph Zimmermann SMA – Homily & Video
Fr Joseph Zimmermann SMA is acknowledged as the Founder of the Irish Province.
After 28 years in Ireland, he was transferred to Savannah, Georgia,...
SMA IRISH PROVINCE FOUNDER – MEMORIAL
The Centenary of the death of Fr Joseph Zimmerman took place on 19 July, 2021 and this occasion was marked by a memorial event...
THE BEAUTY OF CREATION IN BLACKROCK RD
In the cold days of late winter and early spring an effort was made in the garden in Blackrock Road to prepare the ground,...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – JULY 2021
Welcome to the July SMA International News. In this edition we cover stories from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leon and from SMA...
POPE’S VIDEO – JULY 21, SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP
We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.
Pope Francis –...
The challenge of a new mission… the support of a joyful and active laity,...
In many countries of the African continent young people have few prospects and life is precarious. In Foya, in a remote corner of Liberia,...
World Refugee Day: A clarion call to protect and support migrants
Today 20 June is World Refugee Day. This article from Vatican News, written by Lydia O'Kane, shines the spotlight on the plight of migrants...
Beyond Planting Trees: Let Communities Lead Restoration
The 17th of June is marked as International Day to Combat Desertification. Here we link to an article written by staff of the UN...
INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE AND TALK BY THEOLOGIAN AND POET PADRAIG Ó TUAMA
On Saturday 19th of June at 7.30pm Three Faiths Forum Cork have organised an online interfaith Prayer Service on the theme “Living Together in...
SMA Dromantine: Retreat & Conference Centre Reopening August 2021
A SAFE AND WARM WELCOME
The SMA Community in Dromantine along with our Hospitality Team are ready to safely and warmly welcome you back. We are...
Terrorism and violence: unsustainable situation in West African countries
"The West African sub-region is unfortunately becoming the bastion of terrorism in Africa. A situation that is becoming increasingly worrying", writes Fr Donald Zagore,...
Sr Margaret finds purpose in a time of Pandemic
In March 2020, when the (then) Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, made his announcement (from Washington) about the Coronavirus Pandemic and the need for lockdown, people...
SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – JUNE 2021
In the June edition of the SMA International News we have reports from Nigeria where we hear about the ongoing violence in the northern...
SMA SUMMER SCHOOL 2021
Migrations in Our Common Home: Causes, Effects, and Responses
Since 1984 the SMA has hosted an annual Summer School in Dromantine, Newry, Co Down. It began...
Nigerian Government does nothing to protect its citizens
In a report carried by Agenzia Fides, the Vatican-based News Agency, the Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, stated that “Nowhere else in...
Biodiversity Awareness Campaign: LAUDATOS SI’ WEEK
The Society of African Missions (SMA) and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) in collaboration with Elders for Earth, SHEP Earth Aware,...
PENTECOST PARISH PROGRAM.
Sunday (23rd May) is Pentecost Sunday.
Wilton Parish is hosting a special program to mark the occasion. It consists of songs, prayer and reflection...
SMA Novena of Prayer 2021
Our annual SMA National Novena of Prayer in honour of Our Lady takes place from this Friday, 14th May to Saturday, 22nd May.
The Novena...
THE WORLD OF FINANCE – Pope Francis
Today, when we hear talk of finances, we often feel as if it’s a subject very distant from our day-to-day life. As Francis says,...
SMA NEWS – May 2021
Welcome to the May edition of the SMA International News Programme.
This month we hear a report from Ghana about the empowerment of people with...
Indian Catholic schools become hospitals for Covid patients
A Report from AGENZIA FIDES, the Vatican News Agency for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, is reporting that the Archdiocese of Bangalore,...
SMA SUMMER SCHOOL 2021 – date for your Diary
This year the SMA Summer School will take place on-line over a one and a half day period. Here we bring you advance notice...
PLANTING SEEDS
As A Follow up to yesterday's focus on Earth Day - today it is on planting seeds. The video below shows seeds being blessed...
RESTORE OUR EARTH – Earth Day 2021
April 22nd is Earth Day and the theme for 2021 is “Restore our Earth”. This day is all about reducing our environmental footprint and...
Fr Leo Silke SMA – Funeral homily
Fr Leo Silke, the oldest member of the Irish Province, passed, unexpectedly, to his eternal reward on the evening of Friday, 16 April...
Fr Leo Silke SMA, RIP
Funeral Mass for Fr Leo Silke SMA will take place at 12 noon on Monday, 19 April. Due to government restrictions it is strictly...
Easter in Kolowaré, Togo
Easter 2021! A special and memorable day. In front of our church in Kolowaré we have two new “washbasins”, the latest type, commonly known...
Fr Don Burke SMA – Funeral Homily
Homily at the Funeral Service for the late Fr Daniel (Don) Burke SMA
Good Friday, 2 April 2021 – St Joseph’s SMA Church, Wilton, Cork
Fr...
SMA NEWS – April 2021
Welcome to the latest edition of the monthly SMA News. Each month this international programme reports on SMA events and activities from around the...
“He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him”
Pope Francis' homily at Easter Vigil Mass: Full text
April 3, 2021
The women thought they would find a body to anoint; instead they found an...
Easter Sunday Mass from Ndola, ZAMBIA
Wishing you all a Peaceful and Joy filled Easter.
Easter Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr Tom Casey from the SMA District House in Ndola, Zambia. ...
Fr Don Burke SMA [RIP]
Fr Daniel (Don) Burke SMA died peacefully last night, 31 March 2021, in St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, SMA House, Blackrock Road, Cork. Fr Don...
A Holy Thursday reflection
During a TV interview a well-known Muslim scholar said that ultimately there is only one sin and all others come from that sin. What...
Holy Week and Easter Vigil Ceremonies Online
HOLY THURSDAY: Mass of the Lord's Supper 7.00pm. During this service in place of the washing of the feet we will recognise the Front...
Lenten Reflections.
Below are links to a series of Reflections recorded by SMA's and lay people. We hope you find them useful them and that they...
On Fraternity and social friendship. Fratelli Tutti Dialogue and Friendship in Society
Here we reproduce a reflection posted by the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network.
In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis gives us a vision of a...
Planned exclusion of refugees from vaccination
The Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) is calling for equity in vaccine distribution. “Equal access to vaccinations is necessary to ensure public health for all in...
Pope’s prayer for victims of war in Iraq: Peace, justice and serene coexistence
Vatican News Reports from amid the ruins in Mosul - Pope Francis prays for the victims of war in Iraq and in the whole...
SMA NEWS – March 2021
Welcome to the third edition of the monthly SMA News. Each month this international programme reports on SMA events and activities from around the...
Catholic agencies urge G20 nations to provide debt relief amid pandemic
Catholic agencies urge G20 nations to provide debt relief amid pandemic
The Vatican News Agency in and article written by Lisa Zengarini reports that a...
Another Catholic church in northern Nigeria burned and destroyed
The Vatican News Agency – FIDES – is reporting the destruction of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Kikwari, Kajuru County in the Archdiocese...
Fr Michael Boyle SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily
Fr Michael Boyle SMA, the oldest member of the Irish Province, passed peacefully to his eternal reward on Ash Wednesday morning in St Joseph’s...
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE – Feb 20th 2021
The United Nations' World Day of Social Justice is observed each year on February 20th. The theme for 2021 is; A Call for Social...
Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love
The following is the text of the Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2021, entitled: Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope...
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking: A Personal Prayer Service
The 8th of February, is the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese nun, who as a child had the traumatic experience of being...
Ireland and Human Trafficking
In 2019 forty-two victims of Human Trafficking were detected in Ireland. Thirty-three were adults and nine were children. Thirty-four were victims of sexual exploitation,...
HUMAN TRAFFICKING – 40.3 MILLION PEOPLE IN SLAVERY
FACTS ABOUT TRAFFICKING
Trafficking comes in many forms, including:
– Forcing victims into prostitution.
– Subjecting victims to slavery or involuntary servitude.
– Compelling victims to commit sex...
SMA NEWS – February 2021
Welcome to the second edition of the monthly SMA News. Each month this international programme reports on SMA events and activities from around the...
Slavery, Human Trafficking and St Bakhita
Below is the first in a series of articles that will be published in the lead up to the International Day of Prayer and...
St Martin Deaf Ministry: Missionaries in Ghana support the deaf
The “St. Martin Deaf ministry” is a new missionary initiative promoted by the Society of African Missions (SMA) in the archdiocese of Accra, Ghana....
Covid-19: challenge and opportunity – Pope Francis
Let us Dream – The Path to a Better Future
(Pope Francis’s Vision for a Post-Pandemic World)
Let us Dream is Pope Francis’ latest publication. Written...
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021
“Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” John 15:1-17
At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his...
SMA Ordination Golden Jubilees – the Class of 1970
On the 16th of December 1970 sixteen members of the SMA were ordained Priests in St Colemans Cathedral, Newry. Fifty years later, in December...
In times of pandemic, the proclamation of the Gospel remains our starting point.
Father Leopoldo Molena (an Italian SMA priest) has spent most of his 35 years as a missionary working in the Ivory Coast, Benin Republic...
Launching of SMA News
Today, the 11th of January 2021 the SMA launches a new international initiative involving all SMA Provinces and Units - a magazine news programme...
Poignant time in SMA church to ponder new life, and death
The article below was written by weekly columnist John Arnold and first appeared in The Echo on the 7th of January 2021. Our thanks...
HOMILY AT THE FUNERAL MASS FOR THE LATE MOST REV. DR. PETER YARIYOK JATAU,...
By John Cardinal ONAIYEKAN, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna: January 6th 2021.
“Glorious in the eyes of the Lord is the death...
The Epiphany – a Manifestation of the Divine Nature of Jesus
God breaks through into our history - in Bethlehem He reveals Himself. The Three Kings came looking for Him and recognised God's presence in...
A Thought for the New Year on the Feast of Mary Mother of God
Fr Tom Casey from the SMA Media Centre in Ndola, Zambia has sent us this Reflection for New Year's Day - the Feast of...
Message of Pope Francis for the celebration of the 54th World Day of Peace...
Below is the Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 54th World Day of Peace, c
celebrated on 1 January 2021 on the theme...
SMA Parish Wilton – Christmas Eve Service
You are invited to join with the Parishioners and Priests of SMA Parish Wilton, Cork for a Christmas Service that remembers and honours the...
A Christmas letter from Fr Pat Kelly SMA
Yes, it will be a strange Christmas for all of us after a very strange 2020. Who would have imagined a year ago that...
SMA OLA CHRISTMAS SERVICE – from around the world
Welcome to our first ever on-line Christmas Service with messages from the the Provincial Leaders of the OLA and SMA as well as Prayers,...
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 – SMA Founders Day
Mary, Star of Evangelization
On 8 December 2020, the SMA celebrated the 164th anniversary of its foundation at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fourvière,...
The SMA celebrates 125 years in Ivory Coast
On December 8th, SMA Founders Day, La Croix International published the article below reporting that - the Society of African Missions (SMA) has been...
The Venerable Melchior de Marion Brésillac (1813 -1859) Founder of the Society of...
The 8th of December is SMA Founders Day - an occasion that is remembered and celebrated in SMA Houses and Parishes all around the...
Advent Reflections
This page contains the eight Advent Reflections from SMA Fathers and an OLA Sister. These were written and recorded especially for Advent in a...
Pope reiterates call to end modern day slavery
Slavery makes us "un-dignified" because it takes way everyone's dignity, Francis says in his International Day for the Abolition of Slavery message
By La Croix International...
ADVENT REFLECTIONS – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
From Sunday 29th November 2020 you are invited to join us for a series of 8 short video Reflections on Advent presented by members...
Social friendship according to Pope Francis
This article from La Croix International throws light on the concept of 'Social Friendship', which is at the heart of "Fratelli tutti" and is...
Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP] – Obituary
The death has taken place, after a short illness, of Fr James Fegan SMA. Fr Fegan died peacefully at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork,...
Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily
Fr James Fegan SMA passed to his eternal reward in the early morning of 9 November 2020 in the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. Fr...
Stretch forth your hand to the poor” (Sir 7:32)
Fourth World Day of the Poor - November 15, 2020
World Day of the Poor takes place each year on the 33rd Sunday of the...
SMA NOVEMBER MEMORIAL EVENTS PLAYBACK
This year due to Coronavirus restrictions the SMA was unable to observe its traditional November remembrance of the dead in our Parishes and Houses. ...
Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP]
Click on this Weblink to join the funeral ceremonies for the late Fr James Fegan SMA.
The death has taken place, after a short illness, of...
Fr Pierluigi (Gigi) Maccalli SMA: “The strength came from above. I cried, prayed and...
Gigliola Alfaro, journalist of the SIR (Religious Information Service, Italian Bishops' News Agency), interviewed Fr Gigi Maccalli SMA, following his release by kidnappers on...
Human Trafficking in Ireland and Public Policy Response
European Anti-human Trafficking Day on 18th October is an important awareness raising day in the calendar and seeks to increase the exchange of information,...
A Message for Mission Sunday: Freed SMA calls for forgiveness and fraternity
After two years of silence and solitude, Father Gigi Maccalli SMA needed to feel at home, to feel welcomed and listened to. "He talked...
Italian SMAs say Thanks
Fr Ceferino Cainelli, Provincial Superior of the Italian Province and the members of the Italian Province addressed the following Message to all other SMAs...
Outspoken Catholic bishop is scathing in his criticism of Nigerian govt, president
By La Croix International staff | Nigeria
"Our country now looks like a boiling pot that everyone wants to escape from", says Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah...
Police brutality: Archbishop of Lagos calls for clarification
AFRICA/NIGERIA -s (Agenzia Fides)
"Recently there have been reports and videos documenting that members of the Nigerian police, in particular SARS operatives, have been...
Mission Sunday 2020 – Continue the Mission of Jesus
Pope Francis, in his Message for the World Mission Sunday 2020, echoes the teaching of Vatican II when he says that the essential calling...
Fr Pierluigi Maccalli SMA released after 753 days
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer…” with these words from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans the members...
“Fratelli tutti,” the dreams of solidarity from a pope concerned about the world
By Loup Besmond de Senneville | Vatican City
On the 5th of October, La Croix International published the article below on the new Papal Encyclical signed by Pope...
In a democracy, political leaders must reflect the diversity of the Country
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "I think even the most optimistic Nigerian must conceive that we are nowhere near coming to define the real sense...
Public Masses suspended in both SMA parishes in Cork City
Following the government's decision to move the entire country to Coronavirus Level 3 restrictions, the SMA parishes in Blackrock Road and Wilton have suspended...
I have never been as unsure of Nigeria’s future as I am now
After Independence, in order to build a great nation, each country went to work. But in Nigeria, after Independence, our people went to pray...
Choose Life – Day for Life 2020
Day for Life is the day dedicated by the Catholic Church to raise awareness on the meaning and value of human life at every...
Covid-19 and the SMA Little Flower Novena
“Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant count as nothing…
When one loves, one does not calculate.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Patroness of the Missions
The SMA...
The beauty of Dromantine in pictures
The SMA is blessed with a wonderful Retreat & Conference Centre where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Situated about 5...
2nd anniversary of Fr Maccalli’s abduction
Today, 17 September 2020, we are particularly mindful of our kidnapped SMA brother, Fr Pierluigi Maccalli who was taken from his Mission in...
Label helps shoppers choose environmentally-friendly produced rice
The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) has launched a label which identifies sustainably-produced rice. The label will help shoppers reduce the environmental impact of rice...
Fr James Hickey SMA [RIP]
Fr James Hickey SMA will be laid to rest on Friday, 11 September 2020, alongside his parents and other family members in Glasnevin...
FAMILY VOCATIONS COMMUNITY SPONSORS MASS
On Sunday 6th of September a little bit of SMA history was made when over one thousand people in Ireland and further afield tuned-in...
Suggested Practical Actions during the Season of Creation 2020
Pope Francis has declared this year, 24th May 2020 – 24th My 2021, a special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year.
The season of creation is a...
The Canticle of Creatures (St. Francis)
In this, the Season of Creation, we can reflect on the words of St Francis in the Canticle of Creatures. It is believed that...
Twenty-Eight New SMA Missionaries Ordained to the Priesthood
This year twenty-eight SMA seminarians completed their training and have been Ordained to the Priesthood. In the coming months they will be assigned to...
Season of Creation 2020 Prayer
The Season of Creation 2020 begins, on the 1st of September. Let us join with Christians all around the world in praying for a...
SMA Wilton parish celebrates the Season of Creation
St Joseph's SMA Parish, Wilton, Cork marked the beginning of the 2020 Season of Creation with a special Service on Tuesday, 1 September, at...
The Season of Creation – a time for Prayer and Action
The season starts 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron...
European Church leaders’ statement on Season of Creation
An article from the Independent Catholic News reports that: the presidents of CEC, the Conference of European Churches, (CEC) and the Council of European...
Dark Clouds of Violence over Our Land
A Statement from the
Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, Nigeria,
on the incessant killings in the Province
The dark clouds of violence have enveloped our...
There is still a lot of fear, but finally our churches have reopened
Fr Matteo Revelli, a member of the Italian Province of the SMA, has worked for more than 20 years in Morocco, a predominantly Muslim...
Pope, Maronite patriarch plead for help in Lebanon
A La Croix International article published on August 5th reports that Pope Francis has called for prayers and for the international community to help...
40 million victims of people trafficking
World Day against Human Trafficking – 30 July
On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – 30 July – the Secretary...
Angola: the post-Covid recovery, still a fragile path
In a report sent to FIDES, the News Agency of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fr Renzo Adorni SMA, wrote that...
From Mwanza to Montreal – Video Messages from an OLA and an SMA
This week we publish two new videos, the last in our series of messages for Covid-19 times. One comes from an OLA Sister working...
Fr John Quinlan SMA – Obituary
Fr John Quinlan passed to his eternal reward on 16 July 2020, at the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He...
Church activities slowly resuming in Liberia
"In Liberia we are in the middle of the rainy season and our people are engaged in rural work. During this period, malaria makes...
Fr John Quinlan SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily
Fr John Quinlan passed to his eternal reward on 16 July, 2020, at the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He...
WEBINAR: Laudato Si and Community Activism Against Environmental Destruction.
The OLA / SMA Justice Committee is hosting a webinar on 28th July and we invite you all to join us.
Date: Tuesday 28th July...
SMA Provincial Leader commends the work of SHALOM
“Shalom’s contextually driven, rigorous but adaptable and forward-looking methodology represents a model approach towards peace-building in highly complex situations, such as those that pertain...
Irish Minister highlights work of SMA Shalom initiative at Council of the EU
On 19 May 2017 Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Joe McHugh TD, spoke at the Council of the...