SMA International News – April 2023
Welcome to the April edition of the SMA International News. In this Bulletin we have reports from:
Liberia: Where we join an annual pilgrimage in...
A Lenten Journey of Faith
Our thanks to Fr Patrickson Francis, an Indian SMA, who sent us this story and photographs from Sierra Leone.
The SMA Buedu Mission Lenten Pilgrimage...
EARTH HOUR 2023
"The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion…Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life...
Mission is an adventure worth living – Father Giovanni Benetti SMA
Below is an article published by Agenzia Fides about an Italian SMA living and working in the Brésillac' Centre - the SMA House of...
St Patrick’s Day Message 2023 – President Michael D Higgins
Below are highlights from the message of President Higgins which contains a strong endorsement of inclusion and welcome at a time when xenophobia, racism...
MARCH 2023| For victims of abuse – Video Message of Pope Francis
“Asking for forgiveness is not enough” Pope Francis demands answers, actions, and safe spaces for victims of abuse.
This month’s message is dedicated to all the...
SMA International News – March 2023
Welcome to the SMA International News for the month of March. This month we have news reports from, Italy, Cote d'Ivoire and Benin Republic.
From...
Fr Fintan Daly SMA – Funeral Homily
Fr Fintan Daly died peacefully on Ash Wednesday, 22 February 2023, in the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on...
Homily of Pope Francis at the Ash Wednesday Mass
“Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor 6:2). With these words, the Apostle Paul helps us enter...
Late Fr Fintan Daly, SMA
The Archbishops, priests, religious and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Nigeria, along with his family and confreres in the Society of African...
The War – One year on.
A few weeks ago Fr Grzegorz Kucharski, the Superior of the Polish SMA Province, came to Ireland to say thank you to the Irish...
Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2023
Message of the Holy Father
Lenten Penance and the Synodal Journey
Dear brothers and sisters!
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all recount the episode of...
FILM ABOUT WILTON PARISH
In 1982 St Josephs, Wilton officially became a Parish of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, beginning a new phase in the long involvement...
PEACE ON EARTH – Pacem in Terris
Below is a piece from the JPIC Roma NewsBrief for January-February 2023. It speaks of the enduring relevance of Pacem in Terris promulgated in...
PEACE
Below is the text of a homily preached by Fr Kevin O'Gorman SMA on Sunday February 5th, during the Novena in honour of our...
St Josephine Bakhita – International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
In the Church calendar February 8th, is both the feast of St Bakhita and also International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.
St...
SMA International News – February 2023
Welcome to the February edition of the SMA International News. This month we have stories from, Togo, Ghana, Ireland and a report about the...
FOR PARISHES – Video Message of Pope Francis for February 2023
We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
What does...
UN Committee for the Rights of the Child – Review of Ireland.
On the 24th and 25th of January the UN’s Committee on the Rights of the Child will review Ireland during its meeting in Geneva. A...
Nigerian politicians accused, following priest’s burning to death
In an interview with FIDES - the Vatican News Agency - Bishop Luka Sylvester Gopep, Auxiliary bishop of Minna diocese, Nigeria, spoke of the...
For Educators – Video Message of Pope Francis for January 2023
Educate with fraternity: the extra ingredient that Francis is asking of educators in his first Pope Video for 2023
In the first Pope Video for 2023, Francis emphasizes the...
Pope Benedict XVI: Theologian, Pope and Man of God
The SMA community in Blackrock Road, Cork, celebrated Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI on the day of...
SMA International News – January 2023
Welcome to the first edition of the SMA International News of 2023. This month we have stories from Tanzania, Ireland and Nigeria.
From Ireland we...
The Spiritual Testament of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI the Holy See has released his Spiritual Testament dated 29 August 2006.
My spiritual testament
When, at this late...
A Christmas 2022 Reflection
“The Word was made flesh and made his home among us”
Dear Friends,
Christmas is a time when we try to re-connect with family and...
CHRISTMAS – SERVICE OF CAROLS
A Christmas Carol Service organised by SMA Parish Wilton.
The Service has an international flavour with choirs and singers from, the Philippines, Finland, Ukraine, India,...
SMA International News – December 2022
Welcome to the December Bulletin of the SMA International News. This month we have stories from France, Benin Republic and Canada.
We hear from France,...
Conference Of Parties (COP)What Happened?
Below is the text SMA Justice Briefing No 47
In 2022 the severe impacts of climate change were made clearly visible through widespread floods, heat,...
SMA Wilton Parish offers YOU an alternative to TV!
The SMA Wilton parish are broadcasting a one-hour selection of interesting material from 4 -5pm and from 8 - 9pm daily.
You will find meditations, spiritual music,...
Urgency and responsibility should orient work of COP27 – Holy See
We have reached the final day of COP27 and again, as in previous years, it is likely to go overtime as participants haggle over...
NOVEMBER | For children who suffer – the Pope’s Prayer Intention
We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education...
SMA International News – November 2022
Welcome to the November bulletin of the SMA International News. This month we have stories from France, Togo and Zambia.
We hear from Lyons, about...
JOURNEYING TOGETHER FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE: An African perspective- part 2
Today, by way of preparation for he COP27, we bring you the second part of the African Climate Dialogues which give an African perspective...
JOURNEYING TOGETHER FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE: An African perspective- part 1
In advance of COP27 we publish the first part of a Communique from the AFRICAN Climate Dialogues. These took the form of five sessions...
Fr Michael Nohilly SMA [RIP] – Obituary
Fr Michael Augustine Nohilly SMA died peacefully in the Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, aged 76 years. Fr Nohilly was buried...
Month of the Holy Souls – November 2022
November, beginning with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, is traditionally the month in which the Church remembers the dead and in...
A Mission Sunday Homily – by Fr John Horgan SMA
Fr John Horgan SMA worked in Africa as a Missionary for many years. He is now 89 years old and a member of the...
COP27
The UN Climate Change Conference (the official name for climate Conferences Of Parties) has happened every year since 1995. These two-week long gatherings are...
OCTOBER | For a Church Open to Everyone – the Pope’s Prayer Intention
We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in preaching the Gospel, may the Church be a community of solidarity, fraternity and...
SMA International News – October 2022
Welcome to the October bulletin of the SMA International News. This month we have stories from Burkina Faso, Ireland and Benin Republic.
We hear a...
World Day of Migrants and Refugees – Sunday 25th September
PRAYER
Lord, make us bearers of hope,
so that where there is darkness,
your light may shine,
and where there is discouragement,
confidence in the future may be reborn.
Lord,...
National Novena in honour of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus 2022
Friday, 23rd September to Saturday 1st October 2022 at 7.30pm each evening
(7.00pm on Saturday)
Once again we are preparing to host our annual SMA...
INTERNATIONAL DAY – SMA Parish Wilton supporting Ukraine through SMA Poland.
Wilton SMA parish, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, has responded very positively to the plight of the Ukrainian people. Parishioners collected...
SMA International News – September 2022
Welcome to the September bulletin of the SMA International News. This month we have stories from, Ireland, Ivory coast and Zambia.
We hear about the...
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part Six
We continue with the sixth in our series of articles under the heading of Food for our Faith Journey. This week the focus is...
Blind Children Living with Dignity and Freedom in Niger Republic
"Our appeal was followed by all, the children and young people and their families", Fr Raphael Casamayor SMA told FIDES about the recent initiatives...
SHALOM Empowerment Center addresses violence against women and children
The Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) is based in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. Founded in 2009 by SMA Father Padraig Devine,...
SEASON OF CREATION 2022 – 1st Sept to 4th Oct
The Season of Creation begins on 1 September, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on 4 October, the Feast...
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part Five
Welcome to the fifth part of Food for our Faith Journey. This week’s focus is on the role of Mary as a mother and...
Fr Maurice (Mossie) Kelleher SMA – Obituary
Fr Maurice Kelleher, SMA, passed away peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit, SMA House Blackrock Road, Cork on Wednesday, 10 August 2022. His...
Fr Maurice [Mossie] Kelleher SMA – Funeral Mass Homily
The Funeral Mass for the late Fr Mossie Kelleher’s took place on Friday, 12th August 2022, in St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton, Cork City....
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part Four
Welcome to the fourth episode of Food for our Faith Journey. As in previous weeks it contains three items that we hope will...
Fr Maurice [Mossie] Kelleher SMA, RIP
Fr Maurice Kelleher SMA , late of SMA House, Wilton, Cork, died peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit, SMA House, Blackrock Road on...
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part Three
Welcome to the third installment of Food for our Faith Journey. This week's focus is the Eucharist, the sacrament of Christ's permanent presence -...
AUGUST | For Small Businesses – the Pope’s Prayer Intention
We pray for small and medium-sized businesses; in the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operating, and serving...
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part Two
We continue with the second in our series of articles under the heading of Food for our Faith Journey. This week the focus is...
SMA International News – August 2022
Welcome to the August edition of the SMA International News which brings reports from:
Italy: from where we hear about the collaboration between the SMA...
World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2022 – 30th July
One minute Video to raise awareness that Human Trafficking has conquered cyberspace - click to view and to expand
One minute Video to highlight...
FOOD FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY – Part One
Many SMA's have, down through the years, worked in Northern Nigeria and learned Hausa, the lingua franca spoken among the different linguistic and ethnic...
JULY | For the Elderly – the Pope’s Prayer Intention
"We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to look...
SMA International News – July 2022
Welcome to the July edition of the SMA International News which brings news from:
Rome: We hear about the Plenary Council that took place early...
Homily – 163rd anniversary of the death of SMA Founder
On 25 June 1859, the SMA Founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac died of Yellow Fever in Freetown, Sierra Leone. On 25 June last,...
Fr John Flynn SMA – Funeral homily
The Funeral Mass for the late Fr John Flynn SMA was celebrated in St Joseph’s SMA Church, Wilton, Cork on Friday, 24 June 2022....
Fr John Flynn SMA [RIP]
Funeral Mass for the late Father John Flynn, SMA - click here to view the Mass which begins at 1pm on Friday, 24 June 2022.
Fr...
Sufficiency, Not Growth: Towards a Safe and Sustainable Future – SUMMER SCHOOL 2022 –...
SPEAKERS
John Barry is Professor of Green Political Economy and the Director of the Centre for Sustainability and Just Transitions, a Queen’s University Belfast.
Anne B....
Nigerian Bishop sets the record straight for President Higgins
On Pentecost Sunday last, the Catholic community of Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria were brutally attacked and many killed and injured. Newspapers were quick to...
St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, makes a difference
The Peregrini (Pilgrims) Movement from St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, Co
Peregrini is from the Latin for pilgrim, which refers to going on pilgrimage to move...
SMA International News – June 2022
Welcome to the June edition of the SMA International News which brings news from:
Zambia: We hear about celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of...
JUNE | For Families – the Pope’s Prayer Intention
We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives.
Pope Francis...
SMA Novena – Address from Provincial and Homily from Knock Basilica
The Lamb of God - Jesus - is the focal point of the Apparition at Knock. It is as if Mary is saying in...
NOVENA MASS – from Knock Basilica, Saturday 28th of May
The 2022 SMA annual Novena to Our Lady of Knock comes to its conclusion today at Knock Basilica.
It can be viewed live, beginning with...
Laudato Si Week – “Listening and Journeying Together” 22 – 29 MAY
This weeklong global event will mark the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on creation care and unite the world’s 1.3 billion...
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK BEGINS
The annual SMA National Novena of Prayer in honour of Our Lady of Knock begins this evening, Friday 20th of May.
The theme of...
SMA National Novena of Prayer 2022
The annual SMA National Novena of Prayer in honour of Our Lady of Knock takes place from Friday 20th to Saturday 28th of May...
Cost of living: the poorest are suffering the most
In an interview with Vatican Radio, SMA Father Seán J Healy has reminded Irish politicians that society will be judged by how it deals...
A Letter from Poland – THANK YOU
Prowincja Polska Stowarzyszenie Misji Afrykańskich
Borzęcin Duży, POLSKA
Dear Superiors of the various units of the Society of African Missions, dear parish priests of SMA parishes...
Fr Owen McKenna SMA – Funeral Homily
Fr Owen McKenna died peacefully on Monday, 2 May 2022, in the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. His Funeral Mass took place at St Joseph's...
Fr Owen McKenna SMA [RIP]
Fr Owen McKenna died peacefully in the Bon Secours Hospital on Monday, 2 May 2022. He was an SMA missionary for over 60 years,...
SMA International News – May 2022
Welcome to the May edition of the SMA International News which brings news from:
Ireland: where the parishioners of the SMA parish of Wilton, seeing what...
The Easter cross carried by a people suffering from famine, lack of medicine, violence...
“We, the Christians of Dosso, form a small, very small, minority community in a predominantly Islamized society. We are happy but also fragile in...
Peace be with you – Divine Mercy Sunday homily of Pope Francis
For the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, Mass was celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica on Divine Mercy Sunday, 24 April 2022....
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...