Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Kuwait, delivered an emotional farewell speech as he concluded his tenure in the Gulf. Expressing gratitude to the organizers and attendees, he said: “I am deeply touched by your kindness and generosity… Your presence means a great deal to me.”
The farewell function was organized by E D Titus, General Manager of Aman Exchange, and attended by ambassadors, priests and nuns, professionals, and businessmen. At the outset, Titus delivered a warm welcome address, recalling how Archbishop Nugent, with his humility and benevolence, built personal relationships with communities in Kuwait.
Reflecting on his years of service, Archbishop Nugent recalled arriving just after the COVID 19 pandemic and navigating subsequent global crises. He assumed his post in Kuwait in January 2021. “We witnessed the terrible war in Ukraine… and more recently, the frightening Israeli Gaza war and the escalation of the US Israel Iran conflict, which brought the reality of war very close to us here in the Gulf,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized moments of hope and joy, particularly the historic visit of Pope Francis to Bahrain in 2022 and the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi to a Minor Basilica in 2024, marked by the visit of Cardinal Pietro Parolin. “These were unforgettable moments for the Catholic community and powerful witnesses to dialogue, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Archbishop Nugent also highlighted the human connections that defined his mission: “The Gulf has taught me that friendship can cross boundaries of nationality, religion, language, and culture. I leave here having received far more than I could ever have given.”
Building bridges
He fondly recalled Kuwait’s hospitality, cultural celebrations, and even simple meals shared across tables: “If diplomacy is about building bridges, I’ve discovered that some of the strongest bridges are built across a dinner table.”
As he prepares to take up his next assignment in Prague, he concluded warmly: “Wherever the road leads, a part of my heart will remain here. Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the journeys, the meals, the shared moments of prayer, the many wonderful memories. Goodbye.”
The farewell ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Ambassador Lakshitha Ratnayake, Nepal Ambassador Ghanshyam Lamsal, Philippines Ambassador Jose Almodovar Cabrera III, Bhutanese Ambassador Phub Dorji, and Bangladesh Councillor and Head Chancellor Mohd Moniruzaman.
Priests Fr Savio D’Souza (Parish Priest, Salmiya), Fr Reuben Barramuda, and Vicar General of the Catholic Church delivered felicitation speeches. Fr Derrick Misquitta (SDB), Fr Sojan Paul (SDB), and Fr Garry Andres (OFM Capuchin) were also present. Felicitation speeches were also delivered by Ashok Kalra (Mughal Mahal), Reavan D’Souza (Times Kuwait), and Venkata Ramana (GIG Takaful and ICAI Kuwait).