About the SMA

The Society of African Missions (SMA) is a catholic missionary society founded in 1856 by Venerable Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac.  It is an International family of Missionaries bonded together by their common response to the command of Jesus Christ to: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation” (Mk 16: 15).

SMA’s work to build up faith communities, church structures, provide education, health care, social development and to promote justice and care for creation.  Through these means, SMAs seek to be an effective response to the missionary vocation of the Church, chiefly among Africans and people of African origin.

Our projects

The Tanga House project is run by members of the Society of African Missions (SMA) in cooperation with Polish Loreto Sisters and SMA lay missionaries.  It provides a safe home for Albino children in Tanzania – who because of their condition are often stigmatised and excluded.  They are sometimes killed or subjected to violence and mutilation due to a superstitious belief associated with witchcraft that albino body parts can bring wealth.

Remember the Missions in Your WILL

Leaving a gift in your Will is a special way to help our Mission work. Your kindness and generosity can live on even after you are gone.

If you require more information please contact the SMA House nearest to you, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Latest News

SMA Journal – March 2025

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 O Gorman SMA.  We invite you to pray them with us. The text of...

Father Michael Kidney, SMA [RIP]

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 St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions,...

Prayer for Pope Francis

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 his wellbeing in body, mind and spirit at this time of illness and...

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent 2025

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent 2025

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13 Theme: Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness Jesus’ life was dominated by a single passion: to establish on earth God’s reign of justice,...

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2025

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 an opportunity to “journey together in hope.”   He develops the...

SMA International News – March 2025

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 Lyons, France. This...

Ways to Support

Our Projects in Africa

The goals of building up faith communities and church structures, providing education, health care, social development and caring for our environment have been at the heart of the SMA’s missionary work.

Over the years we have supported the care of children at Tanga House, we have helped develop housing for those that were homeless, we have assisted in the building of schools and we have continued to educate Seminarians training to become SMA Missionary Priests.

Missionary Association Cards and prayers for a loved one

You can donate to the SMA by ordering one or more Missionary Association Cards.  Our cards are designed to let someone know that you have remembered them in a prayerful way.  All prayer intentions received are placed before the altar in the Community Chapel of the SMA House from where you got the Card and will be remembered in our daily prayers and Masses.

We have a number of options available for Birthdays, Sympathy, Get Well, Christmas, etc.

Events in Ireland

Each year we host a selection of events such as Summer schools and camps, climate change and biodiversity conferences and events on human trafficking and advocacy.

We also host Novenas across Ireland.

Sunday Homilies

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C

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. Joyful hope rather than penance...

Homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2024

Homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2024

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32 Theme: ‘Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away’ (Mk 13:31) On Sunday, the 14th day of April 1935, a gigantic...

Videos

Beginnings provides an historical account of the initiation of the SMA. It is the SMA story on the founder, choices and international expansion.

Fr. Anthony was extremely active in the Twafawne building project; a community housing initiative for women that had lost their homes.

Supporters in Ireland contribute vital funds to sponsor priests in training in Africa. You can hear about the FVC supporters and what is involved.

 

Each month we share videos regularly on :

  • History and occasions
  • Prayers and meditations 
  • Reflections and teachings
  • Climate change, biodiversity and human trafficking
  • Mindfulness