Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia Bids Farewell to Apostolic Nuncio
Ahmadi, Kuwait – 11 Aug 2026
The Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi, hosted a solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration and farewell gathering for His Grace Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, on 11 Aug 2026, in the presence of clergy, religious sisters, faithful and members of the diplomatic community. The occasion also coincided with the Feast celebration of St. Wenceslas, Patron Saint of the Czech Republic.
H.E. Juraj Chmiel, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kuwait, attended as the Guest of Honour. The gathering was further distinguished by the presence of Ambassadors and diplomats representing several countries, including Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malta, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, Japan and Brazil.
The event reflected the friendship and mutual respect Archbishop Nugent cultivated during his mission in Kuwait and his close association with the Catholic community. He also shared a special bond with the Minor Basilica, having participated in its solemn installation on 16 January 2026.
As a token of love and gratitude, a caricature memento was presented to His Grace by the clergy.
The Basilica community expressed its sincere appreciation for Archbishop Nugent’s pastoral and diplomatic service and assured him of continued prayers, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Arabia as he begins the next chapter of his mission.
The evening remained a memorable celebration of faith, friendship and international fraternity.
