Student at the University of Vienna, Erasmus intern at the Faculty of Arts, CU

(34 years old)

Graduation in Vienna - June 2023 Adam Jurák's life story began on 20th May 1989, and it started prematurely when he was born in the sixth month to his mother, Bohuslava. At that time, he weighed barely one kilogram and was welcomed into the family not only by his mother but also by his father František and his two-year-older brother Ondřej. Although the circumstances of Adam's birth were adverse, thanks to the devoted care of his mother, who looked after him at home for 7 years, he grew into a healthy boy with a zest for life.

Adam spent his childhood in Suchdol nad Lužnicí in South Bohemia. After primary school, his determination for life manifested in a desire to meet new people and explore new places, and he spent his secondary school years in the border region, specifically in Gmünd, Austria. There, he studied at the vocational school Schulzentrum – die Fachschule für wirtschaftliche Berufe, from which he graduated with A-levels. As Adam was an inquisitive student by nature, he decided to interrupt his studies shortly before graduation to improve his English at the University of Cambridge. After successfully passing his A-levels, he moved on to the University of Vienna, where he studied Tschechische Sprache, Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft. In 2023, Adam achieved a BA degree here. He continued his master's studies in Masterstudium Slawistik – Tschechisch at the University of Vienna.

Adam with his brother Ondřej and mother Bohuslava

Adam's passion for learning was also evident in his interest in studying Latin and Ancient Greek at a university in Germany during the summer holidays. He continued his studies at the University of Vienna for his Master's degree, this time at the Department of Czech Studies and the Centre for Translation Studies. During this period, Adam decided to take advantage of the Erasmus programme, which gave him the opportunity for a year of study at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. However, Adam did get to make the most of his time in Prague much, as during the winter semester, he had to undergo a scheduled knee operation on 27th November, which briefly side-lined him from academic life. Two weeks later, due to inadequately managed postoperative care, he was diagnosed with deep pulmonary and vascular thrombosis, which once again confined him to a hospital bed. At that time, he wrote to his family: “I narrowly escaped from the grim reaper,” on 13th December 2023. Adam was discharged from the hospital just a few days before Christmas, although he still did not feel well. Despite being weakened, he decided to go to the Faculty of Arts on 21st December 2023 to take care of some matters related to his studies. This decision proved fatal, and just as his arrival in the world was premature, so was Adam's departure from it.

An integral part of Adam's life was his spiritual side. Even as a young boy, he was influenced in this regard by his grandmother, who guided him towards faith and Christian values. In keeping with family tradition, he was baptised and later confirmed, thereby sealing his affection for God. Adam found peace and understanding in his faith, striving to live according to the Ten Commandments.

Adam was able to communicate with people, always seeing the best in them, and he was always eager to help others. He was beloved for his nature and thus had friends in many countries. Friends and family played an important role in his life. He always strove for mutual assistance and good relations among loved ones. He could lighten tense situations, spreading kindness, joy, and happiness, even though he himself ultimately was robbed of them in the end.

Adam's achievements are not only reflected in his education but primarily in his personality and character. He was very kind-hearted and gentle, helping people with his kind words, which he had for everyone. How many of us continue to think of others, despite often receiving little in return? How many of us help the sick and elderly and accompany them on their final journey? He joyfully and lovingly served as the chief altar boy at services in the Vienna church. There was no ceremonial mass at which he did not carry the censer or lead with the cross. At parish celebrations, he ensured a good mood and hosted everyone with Czech beer or homemade punch.

In Vienna, Adam was known as a long-time chief altar boy in the parish of Unterheiligenstadt. Parishioners remember him as an altar boy in body and soul, but also as a good person and friend. One obituary mentioned that Adam was “a Czech by birth and a Viennese by choice.”

Adam's heartfelt greeting servus which he often used to greet everyone, perfectly captured him, as its Latin meaning – “at your service” – entirely matched Adam's traits of willingness and helpfulness. A Viennese song goes like this:

To say a quiet “servus” as a farewell,

Not goodbye, not adieu

These words only bring pain.

But that little word “servus”

Is a dear final greeting,

When one has to say goodbye.

“Servus, Adam!

Thank you for this wonderful friendship

And for allowing us to be with you.”

Beloved Adam also made a final sacrifice on his journey to heaven. He donated his body to five people, saving their lives. This was his final act of assistance. The kindest angel arrived in heaven on Friday, 22nd December 2023, allowing us to say our final goodbyes.

We ask You, Lord God, to grant him Your blessing.

Photogallery | Family archive