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The Society of African Missions is an international Catholic missionary congregation of Priests, Brothers, and Lay Missionaries founded in France in 1856. The “S.M.A.” initials come from its formal name in Latin, which is “Societas Missionum ad Afros,” or Society of African Missions. Its purpose is to share the Gospel with persons in Africa and those of African origin, especially those in most difficulty. S.M.A. members help facilitate the work of the local church and its leaders. In S.M.A. there are approximately 850 Priests, 240 Seminarians, 100 Lay Missionary Associates, and a small number of Brothers. Its members and Associates minister in 17 African countries as well is in many other countries around the world.
The S.M.A. Lay Missionaries are historically associated with the American Province of the S.M.A. Fathers. There are about ten to fifteen S.M.A. Lay Missionaries at any time, and more than fifty “alumni” who have served in Africa. Other S.M.A. Lay Missionary and Lay Associate groups are associated with other S.M.A. Provinces of the Fathers and Brothers centered in the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Ireland. Each operates in its own way, but all are at home within the larger S.M.A. Family of Fathers, Brothers, and Lay Missionaries. All share the same basic calling and mission. |
