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.

Novena

Novena in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes.

St Joseph’s Church, Wilton, Cork.

Monday 3rd to Tuesday 11th February.

Mass 10 am (10:30 am Sundays).

Attend in person or view via the webcam.

Latest News

The 165th Anniversary of the SMA Founders Death

The 165th Anniversary of the SMA Founders Death

Today, 25th of June members of the Society of African Missions all around the world mark the 165th Anniversary of the death of the SMA founder, Melchior de Marion Brésillac. He died with the words...

Strengthening the Culture of Democracy through Values

Strengthening the Culture of Democracy through Values

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is composed of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of all Member States of the European Union.  Below is the text of a...

WORLD REFUGEE DAY – 20 June 2024

WORLD REFUGEE DAY – 20 June 2024

World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June, honours the strength and resilience of those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters. ...

Flowers from Africa

Flowers from Africa

Below is text from a Background Paper published by the German Network Africa which is affiliated to the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN).  This short but interesting piece is full of...

Answer to a Prayer

Answer to a Prayer

Setting out to complete a long-held dream to canoe around Ireland Fr Michael O’Shea made good headway until he was crossing Dundalk Bay.  Then things changed. In this video ‘An Answer to a...

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 6th Sunday of Easter 2024

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter 2024

Readings:  Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; 1Jn 4:7-10; Jn 15: 9-17 Theme: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (Jn 15:12)  We usually remember the last words spoken by those who were specially dear...

Homily for he 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B

Homily for he 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B

Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24 3:18-24; John 15:1-8   Theme:   ‘I am the vine, you are the branches’ (Jn 15:5) The context of today’s gospel reading is Jesus’ long discourse to his disciples...

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