Images of African Art Museum – Society of African Missions (SMA)
African Art Museum – Society of African Missions (SMA) and its collection
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The Society of African Missions (SMA), also known as Lyoner Seminar, is a society of apostolic life. It is composed of ordained priests and lay brothers who have dedicated their lives to serving the people of Africa. The society works closely with the Dicastery for Evangelization and is not to be confused with the Order of African Missionaries, colloquially known as the 'White Fathers'.
Founding and Mission Work of the Society
The Society of African Missions was founded in Lyon, France, at the Shrine of Fourvière, a Marian shrine. On December 8, 1856, Bishop Melchior de Marion-Brésillac and six seminarians, including Augustin Planque, pledged to dedicate their work to the service of the people in Africa. Their mission work began in Sierra Leone in West Africa in May 1859.
Membership and Global Presence of the Society
The Society of African Missions has grown significantly since its inception. Today, it boasts about 1200 members from over ten nations. The society maintains provinces in several countries including France, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and the Philippines.
NLSociëteit voor Afrikaanse Missiën
DEGesellschaft der Afrikamissionen
ITSocietà delle missioni africane
FRSociété des missions africaines
ENSMA Fathers
ENAfrican Art Museum At the SMA
History & Anthropology Religion