Novena in Honour of Our Lady of Lourdes

At St Joseph’s Church, Wilton, Cork.
From Tuesday 3rd February to Wednesday 11th February, 2026.
Mass 10am each morning (except Sunday, which will be at 10.30am)

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 International News – June 2024

SMA International News – June 2024

Welcome to this edition of our international news which comes from Knock in County Mayo, Ireland.  The SMA pilgrimage to Knock has been one of the most important events in the calendar of SMA Irish...

When the Founder’s village becomes a mission land

When the Founder’s village becomes a mission land

This article was first published in the African Missionary Magazine, No 43, Spring – summer 2024. The image on the left is a composite of two photograph, a present day view of the Church in...

Fr Fionnbarra Ó’Cuilleanáin SMA [RIP]

Fr Fionnbarra Ó’Cuilleanáin SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Father Fionnbarra Ó’Cuilleanáin, SMA.   His Funeral Mass will take place at 2.30pm on Wednesday in St Joseph’s SMA...

SMA Preparatory Programme in Tanzania

SMA Preparatory Programme in Tanzania

                This article was first published in the Spring/Summer edition of the African Missionary Magazine 2024. Below is a Gallery of photos showing the construction on 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 15th Sunday of ordinary time: Year A

Homily for the 15th Sunday of ordinary time: Year A

Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23  Theme: Co-workers in the birth of a New Creation Jesus’ favourite way of teaching was by using stories or parables. There are over 30...

Homily for the 14th Sunday of ordinary time: Year A

Homily for the 14th Sunday of ordinary time: Year A

Readings:  Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9.11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 Theme:  The ‘Yoke’ of Jesus  On the night of October 11, 1962, a large crowd of mostly young people, many carrying torches, made their...

Homily for the 13th  Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year A

Homily for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year A

Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16; Romans 6: 3-4,8-11; Matthew 10:27-42  Theme: The Cost of Discipleship  The main theme of today’s gospel reading is the cost of discipleship. As Jesus reminds his...

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