The Society of African Missions (SMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Damian Andrew Bresnahan, as the new Vicar General of the SMA.

Fr. Damian was ordained to the priesthood on June 26, 1988. He brings with him a wealth of pastoral, formational, and leadership experience, accumulated over nearly four decades of dedicated service to the mission of the SMA.

Until his recent appointment, Fr. Damian served as Leader of the SMA Community and Director of the Retreat & Conference Centre at Dromantine, Northern Ireland.

His previous appointments include:

2014–2018: Philippines – Member of the SMA Formation Team

2013–2014: Sabbatical

2007–2013: Member of the SMA Provincial Leadership Team, Irish Province

2002–2007: Community Leader, SMA House, Blackrock Road, Cork

1988–2002: Nigeria – Pastoral Ministry, SMA Formation, and Regional Leadership

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Didier LAWSON Eloi, who was ordained to the priesthood on July 4, 1998 as the new General Councillor of the SMA. Until his recent appointment, Fr. Didier served as the General Bursar of the Society of African Missions (SMA), where he brought dedication and integrity to the management of the Society’s financial affairs.

Fr. Didier has previously served in Central Africa, gaining valuable pastoral and administrative experience in a variety of contexts.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. James Kulwa Shimbala, to a new leadership role within the Society of African Missions (SMA) as General Councillor.

Ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 2003, Fr. Shimbala brings with him over two decades of rich pastoral, academic, and formational experience across various countries in Africa and Europe. Until this appointment, he served as Vice Superior of the Tanzania District of the SMA.

Previous Appointments and Contributions

Fr. Shimbala has held several significant responsibilities, including:

• 2024–2025: Lecturer at Lumen Christi Institute, Tanzania
• 2006–2025: Active in Ongoing Formation Programs across Africa
• 2015–2024: Facilitator in the ICOF Program, with assignments in Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso
• 2014–2016: Lecturer at the Psychospiritual Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
• 2013–2016: Member of the Great Lakes District in Formation Council, serving as Vice Superior and Bursar
• 2008–2015: Member of the SMA General Formation Committee
• 2013–2014: Studied at the Psychospiritual Institute, Kenya, while also offering spiritual direction to SMA seminarians
• 2006–2013: Formator at Centre Brésillac, Calavi, Benin
• 2005–2006: Postgraduate studies at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
• 2003–2006: Graduate studies at the Institute of St. Anselm, Kent, UK

Fr. Shimbala is recognized for his commitment to formation, his deep spirituality, and his dedication to intercultural and psycho-spiritual development within the SMA and beyond. His contributions to the growth and accompaniment of young missionaries have left a lasting impact in multiple mission territories.