Stories of Mission

On World Mission Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Missionaries of Africa celebrated the 125th anniversary of their arrival in Quebec, Canada. The anniversary Mass, held at Saint-Roch Church in Quebec City, was presided over by Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec. The celebration brought together members and friends of the Missionaries of Africa to…

As part of its coverage of World Mission Sunday, EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network, featured the Missionaries of Africa in a special video highlighting their history, ministries, and commitment to serving the people of Africa. The EWTN feature explores the Missionaries of Africa’s longstanding commitment to building relationships with Muslim communities and accompanying people…

Father Henry Byamukama Mbekeize, M.Afr., shared this reflection during the celebration of his 25th Jubilee of priesthood at Our Lady of Light Parish in Saint Albans, New York. Called into the Vineyard Dear friends, when I reflect on mission at this moment in my life, one Gospel image comes to mind: the workers in the…

In 2026, Catholics in Malawi are celebrating 125 years of the Church’s growth and witness. The anniversary traces its roots to 1901, when the Missionaries of Africa began their work in the country, laying the foundation for what would become one of Africa’s most vibrant Catholic communities. As Malawi’s bishops invite the faithful to renew…

Father Barthélémy Bazemo, M.Afr, Appointed Provincial of the Americas Washington, D.C., USA – July 1, 2024 – We are delighted to announce that Father Barthélémy Bazemo, M.Afr, originally from Burkina Faso, has been appointed as the new Provincial of the Americas for the Missionaries of Africa, effective July 1, 2024. Father Bazemo succeeds Father Réal…

Before coming to the States, my first missionary assignment was in Tanzania at Manzese Parish in the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. Manzese Parish is an urban parish that serves a diverse community of over five thousand members, most of whom were either self-employed or held low or semi-skilled jobs. We had an excellent parish…

Father William Francis Moroney M. Afr. (1935-2024) passed away peacefully at home on February 17, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. A Chicago native, Father Moroney commenced his priestly journey with the Archdiocese of Chicago at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, before entering the Society of Missionaries of…

I admit I did a bit of ‘window shopping’ before I joined the Missionaries of Africa in 1984. I read about other congregations and questioned people about their orders before choosing the Missionaries of Africa. One of the things that really attracted me to the Missionaries of Africa was their community life. In their community…

As a kid, I had heard stories about Damien and the lepers. Those stories didn’t prepare me for meeting my first leper on my second day as a missionary in Burkina Faso. It was a shock and it was a startling introduction to the missions. When I was young I thought being a missionary was…