The Papal Envoy Says Farewell: Kuwait Will Remain Part of My Heart

- “My years here have been exceptional... I received more from Kuwait than I gave”

The Apostolic Nuncio to the country, Eugene Martin Nugent, emphasized that his years of service in Kuwait and the Gulf region were “exceptional,” affirming that what he would take with him upon leaving Kuwait were the “people” he met, the friendships he built, and the memories that would remain deeply etched in his heart.

This was stated during a farewell ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza hotel, attended by the ambassadors of the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy, along with several members of the business and civil society communities and friends.

Speaking to the attendees, Nugent said, “As I prepare to leave Kuwait and the Gulf, I thank God as I look back with immense gratitude. These have been exceptional years, and certainly not boring ones at all.”

The Apostolic Nuncio confirmed that his most cherished memories in the Gulf were not solely tied to major political events, but rather to the human moments he shared with members of the Kuwaiti society and expatriates of various nationalities.

He mentioned that among these memories were religious and cultural celebrations, national holidays, reception events, birthdays, Easter, and the month of Ramadan, as well as visits to schools and meetings with Kuwaiti youth and expatriates.

He also recalled occasions when he administered the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion to parishioners, and conversations that began in a formal context but evolved into genuine friendships.

He added that other memories he would cherish included desert camping trips, picnics, and visits to beach houses and diwaniyas, as well as the exceptional hospitality for which Kuwait and the region are known.

The Apostolic Nuncio reflected on several personal memories from his time in Kuwait, including his visits to the US and Italian military bases, where he was given the opportunity on several occasions to lead prayers on the occasions of Christmas and Easter.

Nugent stressed that the people he met in Kuwait and the Gulf would remain the most important part of his memories, saying, “Above all, what I will carry with me are the people.”

He affirmed that his experience in the Gulf taught him that friendship is capable of transcending the boundaries of nationality, religion, language, and culture, noting that while he came to the region representing the Holy See with the aim of dialogue and encounter, he is leaving having “received far more than he could have ever given.”