The Papal Nuncio: Kuwait is among my most beautiful experiences... I leave it with its love in my heart
The Apostolic Nuncio to the country, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nogueira, affirmed that his experience in Kuwait was “one of the most beautiful experiences of the Church,” expressing his gratitude for the years he spent in the country, the people he met, the friendships he built, and the hospitality he received. This statement came during a Mass held by the Embassy of the Czech Republic at the Church of Our Lady of the Island, on the occasion of commemorating Saint Wenceslas, the first Czech saint and patron saint of the Czech State. The event also coincided with the conclusion of his mission as Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, and his readiness to travel to the Czech Republic to assume his new post.
Nogueira said, “There is something deeply moving for me in celebrating this Mass. We gather in this beautiful church, the Church of Our Lady of the Island, a place that has become very dear to my heart during my years of residence in Kuwait. This will be my last Mass here in the church before I depart Kuwait.” He added, “I thank God for these years I spent in Kuwait, for the people I met, the friendships I built, the faith we shared, the hospitality I received, and the many moments of grace that I will carry with me long after I leave this land.”
He noted that he was leaving Kuwait with its love in his heart, explaining that moving from one mission to another reminds a person that the future always holds unknown things. He said, “We make our plans, pack our bags, learn new names, and perhaps even struggle with a new language. That is how I came to Kuwait.”
Speaking about his experience in Kuwait, Nogueira said, “This was one of the most beautiful experiences of the Church here in Kuwait. We come from many countries, languages, cultures, and traditions, and many of our faithful live far from their homelands and families.” He continued, “But here we discover that we belong to one family. Perhaps this is one of the most beautiful gifts that Kuwait has given me: a renewed appreciation for the universality of the Church, different languages, different cultures, different rites, but one faith, one baptism, and one Lord.”
Nogueira concluded his remarks with a prayer, saying, “We pray to God to protect His Highness the Emir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the government, and to grant them wisdom in serving this wonderful country. May He protect the people of Kuwait under His care and bestow upon them peace and unity.”
For his part, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the country, Juraj Chmela, reviewed Archbishop Nogueira’s diplomatic career, describing it as “a life story full of contributions and achievements.”
