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 GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME

SMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME

SMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME On Sunday May 18th the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd General Assembly of the SMA  took place in  Rome. The General Assembly is a very significant moment in the...

HOMILY – Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith, SMA, RIP

HOMILY – Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith, SMA, RIP

Below is an edited version of the Homily delivered by Fr Colm O’Shea SMA during the Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith SMA on the 14th of May 2025.  It is said that if you want to make God laugh...

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter 2025

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter 2025

Readings: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-33,34-35 Theme: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (Jn 13:34) By Michael McCabe Just a week ago we celebrated Vocations’ Sunday and...

Father Desmond (Des) Smith SMA [RIP]

Father Desmond (Des) Smith SMA [RIP]

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we announce the death of our dear confrere Father Desmond (Des) Smith, SMA Born in the Diocese of Cork 7 March 1944 He became a member of our Society on 25...

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

Palm Sunday Homily – Year C, 2025

Palm Sunday Homily – Year C, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22: 14 – 23:56 Theme: ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord’ By Michael McCabe   Today, Palm Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week,...

Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent 2025

Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent 2025

Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11 Theme: God of Mercy and Compassion By Michael McCabe   Mercy is the most striking manifestation of God’s love as revealed in the life and...

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2025

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2025

Readings: Joshua 5: 9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21;Luke 15:1-3,11-32 Theme: The Embrace of A Forgiving God By Michael McCabe   In today’s gospel we heard the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son,...

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