Who We Are

Missio Ireland is the Irish branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies. We are the Holy Father’s official charity for overseas mission. Wherever the Church is present, we are there, meaning we can reach out across five continents to support over 1,100 mission dioceses. Each Missio is headed by a National Director, appointed by the Holy Father.

Fr. Michael P. O’Sullivan, M.Afr. is the National Director of Missio Ireland. Fr. Michael was appointed in 2020 after returning to Ireland following more than twenty-five years of missionary service in the Arab world. Originally from Kilrush Co. Clare, he is a member of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). He offers a wealth of experience, having carried out missionary roles in Algeria, Sudan, Jerusalem and the UAE. More recently he was local coordinator of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.

On his appointment, Fr. Michael commented, “It is wonderful to see that even today Ireland continues to stay true to its proud missionary legacy. Missio Ireland can only continue to help missionaries and the often-impoverished communities they serve, because of the Irish faithful’s ongoing support and prayers. For this reason, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all. It is truly an honour to be part of such an organisation.”

To promote and support our work at local level, Missio Ireland has representatives in each diocese, known as Diocesan Directors.
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Missio Ireland has a voluntary and independent Board of Directors. Its members oversee governance, budgets, and strategies.
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Missio was born from the initiatives of two charismatic women, a bishop, and a priest. All were passionate about creating awareness of overseas mission and sending support to missionaries. Together, their four societies became known as the Pontifical Mission Societies.
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