PANAJI
The Goan Cultural Centre (GCC), together with members of the Goan community in Kuwait, gathered on August 16 for a memorable farewell to Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, who will take up his new mission as Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic.
The evening, hosted by Gasper Crasto, was a celebration of a distinguished diplomat and shepherd, but above all, of a cherished friend who touched many hearts during his years in Kuwait.
Following an opening prayer led by Fr Nelson Lobo, community leaders Floyd Paes, Lana de Mello, Rabin Gonsalves, Dr Jaganath Chodankar and Reavan D’Souza paid heartfelt tribute to Archbishop Nugent, recalling his warmth, humility, pastoral care and genuine engagement with people across the community and wider Kuwaiti society.
Tribute of friendship
The highlight of the evening was the address by Carmo Santos, President of the Goan Cultural Centre, who also presented the Apostolic Nuncio with a memento.
In his speech, Santos expressed gratitude for Archbishop Nugent’s service, kindness and friendship throughout his tenure in Kuwait from January 2021 to August 2026.
While acknowledging the archbishop’s important diplomatic role as representative of the Holy See, Santos emphasised that it was Archbishop Nugent’s openness, encouragement, humility and ability to build genuine personal relationships that the community would remember most.
Santos also highlighted the special connection between faith, culture and Goan heritage, describing the gathering as a beautiful expression of community spirit.
He offered prayers for Archbishop Nugent’s new mission, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady of Arabia, and wished him continued success in building bridges and strengthening relationships in the Czech Republic.
Archbishop’s response
Responding with characteristic warmth and humility, Archbishop Nugent thanked the Goan community for the love and support he had received during his years in Kuwait.
“You warmed me with your support during my years here in Kuwait,” he said, reflecting on the many people he had met, celebrations he had shared and occasions on which he had prayed alongside the community.
Archbishop Nugent also thanked Santos and the Goan Cultural Centre for the gift presented to him.
Archbishop Nugent also shared one personal regret, that he had not yet had the opportunity to visit Goa. He expressed hope of making that long-awaited visit in the near future, a prospect warmly welcomed by the Goan community.
The evening concluded with prayers, hymns and fellowship over dinner, providing guests an opportunity to personally convey their good wishes to Archbishop Nugent.
The Goan Cultural Centre
Established in 1990, the Goan Cultural Centre is dedicated to preserving and promoting Goa’s rich heritage, language, music, food, arts and traditions in Kuwait.
Through events including Goa Day, May Queen, Goan Food & Mando Festival, Summer Queen Dance Ball, Global Goan Convention, Konkani Film Festival, Gulf Voice of Goa, Christmas celebrations and World Goa Day, the Centre has brought generations of Goans together.
Beyond culture, the Centre has supported community welfare, including assistance in tragic cases, repatriation of the deceased and humanitarian support.
During COVID-19, it organised two flights to Goa, assisting with airfare and food for those returning home.
“The Goan Cultural Centre continues to serve as a bridge between Goa and Kuwait—keeping Goan heritage alive and the spirit of Goa flourishing far from home,” said Santos.
