A PART OF ME WILL REMAIN HERE

A farewell message from Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic

Dear Friends,

There comes a time when we have to move further afield. And so it is with me!

My turn comes to bid farewell; I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the time I have spent among you all, here in the Czech Republic. From the very beginning, the cordiality was evident, the hospitality was unmistakable: cooperation and cohesion among the colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps, warm welcomes, official courtesy calls, youth social outings and camping projects, constant cordial invitations from the Dioceses and the Parishes, and the kindness and sincere friendly attention that revealed itself in both grand gestures and small, everyday moments.

I was deeply moved by the goodness I encountered everywhere: at the Parliament, at the Prague Castle, during parish pilgrimages, at shared tables, in families, during thoughtful conversations, and even through the gentle attentiveness that made me feel at home. The local communities possess a peculiar manner of embracing newcomers, and I am grateful to have been welcomed into that embrace. At first contact, it is not always obvious; one has to break the ice, and discover the contexts of common interest and concern.

The landscapes of this country have left their own imprint on me: the winding roads through the villages, the rolling hills, the majesty of the Giant Mountains and the Beskydy, the quiet strength of the Šumava forests, the stunning landscapes which decorate the highways.

These places will remain vivid in my memory.

Naturally, there were challenges, as there are in every human reality. At times, I encountered reserve or hesitation, surprise or scare. Yet even then, I found openness, support, and a willingness to bridge gaps and differences and find fitting solutions. These moments taught me patience, understanding, and the quiet courage of connection and respect.

I leave with a heart full of nice memories: of satisfaction, of appreciation, of joy, of discovery.

I am deeply grateful for the sincere kindness, the honest attention, and the sense of belonging which was offered so freely.

Though a great distance may now separate us, a part of me will remain here, carried in the honest friendships and true experiences that have shaped my time with you all.

With sincere appreciation,

Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo
Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic
(2022 – 2026)