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

My Journey to the SMA – FVC Newsletter 2024

My Journey to the SMA – FVC Newsletter 2024

This is the third article in this series about SMA Seminarians that was first published in the recent edition of the Family Vocations Community Newsletter 2024. This one concerns a Filipino  student...

SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – August 2024

SMA INTERNATIONAL NEWS – August 2024

Welcome to this new edition of our SMA News for this month of August 2024. In this edition we go to Poland where a meeting was held of SMA vocation directors from Europe and America.  In a report...

AUGUST 2024 | For political leaders

AUGUST 2024 | For political leaders

Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving...

My experience so far – FVC Newsletter 2024

My experience so far – FVC Newsletter 2024

This is the second in a series of short articles written by SMA Seminarians in Africa published in the 2024 Family Vocations Community Newsletter recently distributed to FVC Members.  It is about...

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024

Each year on 30 July, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind* in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”. Marking the World Day Against...

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 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

Homily for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Cor 8:7,9,13-15; Mk 5:21-43 Theme:   The Healing Power of Jesus Today’s gospel reading from Mark reports two miracles performed by Jesus upon his return to the...

Homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

Homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

Homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B  Readings: Job 38:1,8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41 Theme:  ‘Even though he sleeps, Christ is in the boat’ (Martin Luther) One of the...

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