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

Homily on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2025

Homily on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2025

Readings: Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 Theme: Sharing in God’s family life By Michael McCabe, SMA The Trinity is the defining doctrine of our faith as Christians. We are baptized...

Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, 2025

Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, 2025

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23 Theme: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (Jn 20:22) By Michael McCabe, SMA. Today, Pentecost Sunday, we come to the climax of our Easter...

New SMA General Councillors elected

New SMA General Councillors elected

At the end of the second week of the 2025 SMA General Assembly (GA25) delegates elected three Councillors who will assist the newly elected Superior General, Rev. Fr. François Marie Hervé du Penhoat...

Jubilee Year 2025– in Pope Francis own words

Jubilee Year 2025– in Pope Francis own words

We are now half way through the Holy Year inaugurated by the late Pope Francis. Here, in his own words, he explains the meaning and purpose of the Holy Year.  This article was published in the most...

DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY – 8TH JUNE 2025

DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY – 8TH JUNE 2025

Situated in the beautiful grounds of the African Missions, Dromantine Newry, with panoramic views stretching across to the Mourne mountains, the annual Family Fun Day has for over fifty years,...

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 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,...

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2025

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2025

Readings: Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12; Luke 13:1-9 Theme: The God of Second Chances By: Michael McCabe, SMA A priest in one of our Houses was known for his wise sayings. A...

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