The story of the Society of African Missions (SMA) is one of faith, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the evangelization of Africa. Founded in 1856 by Melchior de Marion Brésillac in Lyon, France, the Society was established with a clear and focused purpose: to bring the Gospel to the peoples of Africa and to help build a self-sustaining local Church. From its earliest
days, the SMA understood that mission was not only about preaching, but about forming communities, educating leaders, and empowering local clergy to shepherd their own people.
The growth of SMA in Africa
When the first SMA missionaries arrived on African soil in the 19th century, they encountered immense challenges—climate, disease, language barriers, and unfamiliar cultures. Many gave their lives in service.
Yet their perseverance laid the foundations for vibrant Christian communities across West and Central Africa.
Over time, the mission took deeper root. What began as a European missionary society gradually evolved into a truly international and increasingly African society. Today, a significant number of SMA members are Africans serving both within the continent and beyond. The vision of building a local Church led by indigenous clergy is becoming a reality, thanks in large part to sustained investment in formation and education.
Formation: the heart of the mission
At the core of the SMA’s mission is the formation of seminarians who will one day become missionary priests. Formation is not simply academic training; it is a holistic process that shapes the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of a candidate’s life. Seminarians undergo years of philosophical and theological study, spiritual direction, pastoral exposure, and community living. They are trained not only to administer sacraments but to be missionaries—men ready to cross cultural boundaries, serve marginalized communities, and proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion.
In Africa today, vocations to missionary life are abundant. Young men are responding generously to God’s call. However, the journey from vocation to priesthood requires resources: qualified formators, educational materials, proper accommodation, healthcare, and pastoral training opportunities. Without adequate support, the formation process can be strained, and promising vocations may be lost.
Why supporting seminarians matters
- Ensuring quality formation
Good funding guarantees that seminarians receive sound theological education and
spiritual guidance. Well-formed priests are better equipped to address the social, moral,
and spiritual challenges facing African communities today. - Strengthening the local church
Supporting seminarians strengthens dioceses and missionary territories. African
missionary priests are uniquely positioned to understand local cultures while also
serving in other parts of the world. - Continuing the missionary legacy
The pioneers of the SMA sacrificed greatly to establish the Church in Africa. Supporting
seminarians today honours that legacy and ensures that the mission continues with
renewed vigor. - Responding to global mission needs
The Church is increasingly missionary in nature. African missionary priests now serve in
Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Investing in their formation benefits not only Africa but
the universal Church.
A call to action
The future of the SMA in Africa depends largely on the formation of its seminarians. While vocations are a gift from God, their development requires the generosity of benefactors, parishes, religious communities, and individuals who believe in the mission. Supporting seminarians can take many forms: financial contributions, scholarships, sponsorship programs, prayer partnerships, and advocacy for missionary vocations. Even small contributions, when combined, can make a profound difference in the life of a seminarian and the communities he will one day serve.
The growth of the Society of African Missions in Africa is a testament to faith planted in difficult soil and nurtured through sacrifice. As the Church looks to the future, the formation of missionary priests remains essential. By investing in seminarians today, we are investing in the evangelization of tomorrow.
Some statistics
The SMA currently has 907 members worldwide distributed as follows: Most members serve are priests, with approximately 734 priests worldwide. Other states include Bishops (9), Brothers (3), Deacons (34) and 453 seminarians at various levels of their formation.
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