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.

Advent

“Advent is the time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us, and also to verify our longing for God, to look forward and prepare ourselves for Christ’s return.”  Pope Francis, Angelus

Latest News

Towards a Synodal Church in Mission

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, 2-27 October, 2024. Like the first...

SMA Journal

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 and in the past.  In this first chapter, we hear about two visits, one to...

Update so far on COP29

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 what has happened in Baku during the first week of COP29.  For more...

Fr Michael Waters, SMA, RIP.

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 memorable and significant year in the life of Michael Waters.  On the first...

NOVEMBER 2024 | For those who have lost a child

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 support in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the...

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 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2024

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 asks Jesus to identify the most...

Homily for 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

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 Mark’s gospel, the...

Homily for the 29th Sunday Year B, 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 told his disciples – for the third time!...

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