Happy Easter

As though some heavy stone were rolled away, 
You find an open door where all was closed, 
Wide as an empty tomb on Easter Day…. 

The way is open, death has been deposed, 
As though some heavy stone were rolled away, 
And you are free at last on Easter Day

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.

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].

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.

Latest News

Fr PJ Gormley SMA [RIP]

Fr PJ Gormley SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Fr PJ Gormley  SMA, late of Ballinagurra, Augher, Co. Tyrone.  Fr PJ died peacefully on 12 March 2026 at Craigavon...

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent 2026

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent 2026

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Theme: ‘Be like children of Light’ (Eph 5:8) By Michael McCabe, SMA Last Sunday we had a wonderful story from the Gospel of John,...

A POEM – a thought for Lent

A POEM – a thought for Lent

A short poem by Fr Flor McCarthy SDB suitable for this time of Lent.  Before looking out, look in.  Filmed, produced and voiced by Paul...

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 First Sunday of Lent – Year A 2026

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent – Year A 2026

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 Theme: Jesus in the Wilderness By Michael McCabe, SMA The mission of Jesus was to establish on earth God’s reign of justice, peace and...

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37 Theme: Law and Virtue By Michael McCabe, SMA Human estimates of the value of law have varied from Aristotle’s sober statement...

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