Fr. Madej on 30 years among Muslims: 'I never felt like an outsider'

September 5, 2026 · 1 min read

After nearly 30 years of ministry in Turkmenistan as a missionary, Fr. Andrzej Madej, OMI, tells Vatican News that his goal was to build relationships with all people based on respect and peace, since "where Christ comes, love comes with Him."

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Ioana Radu

Father Madej spent 30 years in Turkmenistan and says he never felt like a foreigner. This shows me how much respect and real peace matter, not just words. I liked what he said, that where Christ comes love also comes - simple and true.

Nicolae Stoica

Yes, I also remembered that phrase "where Christ comes, love comes". It is clear that Father Madej really lived it, if after 30 years in Turkmenistan he still did not feel like a stranger. That constant respect makes the difference, not just the sermon.

Alexandru Radu

Margarita Prifti

Yes, I really liked that Fr. Madej said he never felt like a stranger after 30 years in Turkmenistan. This shows that everyday respect and true peace makes people open the door. Alexander's last question made me think - I don't know any missionary who has stayed so long in a Muslim country, but I know that in Albania we had priests who worked with the same love even in difficult villages.

Bogdan Radu

Yes, that phrase about the love that comes with Christ is simple, but it is relevant. Father Madej showed that daily respect, not just words, makes you not a stranger even after 30 years. Have you ever known a missionary who stayed that long in a Muslim country? I say that constant respect, as you say, is the key. I also read the interview and it seemed to me that he didn't force anything, he just lived next to them like the electrician that I am here, with tools in hand and a kind word. Have you ever been in our mountains with someone of another faith? There you see how things connect without long sermons.

Marius Marin

Yes, that phrase with the love that comes with Christ also made me think of my neighbor in the factory, a Turk with whom I worked for many years in sewing. His constant, non-preaching respect stood the test of time. Have you read anything from other missionaries in Muslim areas?

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