Loading
Priest says the Mass helps tiny Turkmenistanian Church survive

Konigstein, Germany, Aug 29, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Father Andrzej Madej, OMI, head of the mission ‘sui-iuris’ in Turkmenistan, spoke to Aid to the Church in Need recently of the tiny group of faithful Catholics who he serves in Turkmenistan and how their strength is sustained by the Eucharist.

According to Father Madej, there are not more than 64 baptised Catholics, about 50 Catechumens and an equal number of ‘friends of our faith’ in the Central Asian former Soviet Republic, which has some 5 million – overwhelmingly Muslim – inhabitants. “But catechetical work with adults and youths, prayer, particularly the Holy Rosary, and, most of all, the celebration of the Eucharist helps us survive and gives our community an inner dynamism and strength” the 55-year-old Polish missionary said.

Fr Madej, who is based in Asgabat, the Turkmenian capital, added: “Psychologically, we do feel isolated (from the rest of the Church): There are just two Catholic priests working in the country, but no nuns and no churches. Mass and all other religious activities have to take place in private homes.”

He went on to explain: “When I met with Pope John Paul II – five months before his death – I showed him a stone from Kopet-Dag mountain and said: ‘Holy Father, one day we hope to build a Catholic church in our country.’ The Pope then blessed the stone, which I am now keeping in my room, but hopefully not for a very long time.”



Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages

RESOURCES »

Featured Videos

Pope Francis prays over a sick man in St Peter's Square
Pope Francis prays over a sick man in St Peter's Square
Denver women's clinic will offer natural, Catholic care
Interview Clips: Barbara Nicolosi speaks to CNA
US Cardinals press conference at North American College
Pope Benedict to retire to monastery inside Vatican City
Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation
Hundreds convene in Denver to urge respect for life
New Orange bishop encourages Catholic unity in diversity
Chinese pro-life activist calls for reform, international attention
At Lincoln installation, Bishop Conley says holiness is success
Mother Cabrini shrine reopens in Chicago after a decade
Ordination of 33 deacons fills St. Peter's with joy
Cardinal says "Charity is the mother of all the virtues"
Augustine Institute expands evangelization effort with new campus
Bishops recall 'Way of St. James' as chance to trust in God
Los Angeles cathedral's newest chapel houses Guadalupe relic
Lay missionaries to the poor open new Denver headquarters
New Buffalo bishop stresses need for modern-day martyrs
Guadalupe message resounds at Los Angeles' massive Marian festival
Pastors of Aurora churches comfort, encourage parishioners
Visit our YouTube channel »
Jun
19

Liturgical Calendar

June 19, 2013

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

All readings:
Today »
This year »

Catholic Daily

Gospel of the Day

Mt 6,1-6.16-18

Gospel
Date
Mt 6,1-6.16-18
06/19/13
Mt 5,43-48
06/18/13
Mt 5,38-42
06/17/13

Daily Readings


First Reading:: 2 Cor 9:6-11
Psalm:: Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 9
Gospel:: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Saint of the Day

The Immaculate Heart of Mary »

Saint
Date
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
06/19/13
St. Romuald
06/18/13
St. Osanna Andreasi
06/17/13

Homily of the Day

Mt 6,1-6.16-18

Homily
Date
Mt 6,1-6.16-18
06/19/13
Mateo 5,43-48
06/18/13
Mt 5,38-42
06/17/13

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
     HTML
Text only
Headlines
  

Follow us: