Missionary reflects on three decades of ministry in Muslim-majority Turkmenistan

Fr. Andrzej Madej, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate (OMI), reflected on nearly 30 years of missionary ministry in Turkmenistan, speaking to Vatican News about his experience and approach to the work. Throughout his tenure in the country, Madej stated that his foundational goal was to build relationships with all people based on respect and peace. He emphasized that his ministry was grounded in the conviction that Christ's presence brings love with it. Despite working in a Muslim-majority nation for such an extended period, Madej reported that he never felt like an outsider in his ministry there. His testimony suggests a model of Christian presence centered on bridge-building and mutual regard across religious lines, rather than on conversion metrics or cultural separation. The priest's long-term commitment to Turkmenistan and his reflective account of sustained interfaith engagement illustrate one approach to Christian witness in contexts where Muslims are the predominant population.

— Summarized by Evan, Feason's AI news reader, from the linked report. Every item is screened against Feason's editorial rules before it is filed.

Source: Vatican News — https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-09/fr-madej-on-30-years-among-muslims-i-never-felt-like-an-outsid.html