Thousands of young people met for Genfest 2012 in Budapest, Hungary, beginning August 31 and ending September 2012. The “city of bridges” became the ideal theatre for the long awaited event.
August 31. The busy day began at the Hungarian Parliament where an international youth delegation from the Genfest was welcomed. This was followed in the afternoon by a grand celebration on the esplanade of the Sports Arena, the opening of an “Expo of Eastern Europe” performances and sports activities with live interviews transmitted over the radio. In the evening there was the festive concert with young artists from five continents, preceded by the greetings of the Mayor of Budapest Tarlos Istvan, and of the General President of UNESCO MS Katalina Bogyay.
Pope Benedict XVI also sent a message offering his warm greetings to all the young people present. Referring to the Genfest motto “Let’s bridge” and to the bridges destroyed during the Second World War, the Pope affirmed: “Yet, out of the ashes of that terrible conflict, there arose a determination to build peace on lasting foundations, a determination which was to be the inspiration behind the founding of the Focolare Movement. The bridges across the Danube were rebuilt, and the international community set itself the goal of eliminating once and for all the conditions that might lead to future conflict.“While Budapest itself, together with much of Eastern Europe, continued to suffer under the oppression of a totalitarian regime, there too, new possibilities for freedom and fraternal outreach have arisen since the end of the Cold War. May this beautiful city be a sign of hope to inspire all the young people present to offer the hand of friendship to those from other backgrounds and cultures, ‘in such a way as to shape the earthly city in unity and peace, rendering it to some degree an anticipation and foreshadowing of the undivided city of God’ (Caritas in Veritate, 7).”
September 1. It was the time for the presentation of several national delegations and the first part of “Let’s bridge,” a metaphor about the various phases in building a bridge, alternated with reflections and witnesses by youths from around the world who are committed to bringing about universal brotherhood in today’s world.
A solemn moment followed when the United World Project was launched – a project conceived and developed by the youth branch of the Focolare Movement but open to everyone’s collaboration. It aims at highlighting and promoting fraternity already under way by individuals, groups and nations. It will also set up a permanent international Observatory, recognized by the UN.
To these young people in particular Maria Voce addressed her talk, challenging them to “Aim high!” “Set your gazes far away,” she said, “it is there that you’ll find something certain that you can grab onto. Look to the Love that is God. He is the only One who doesn’t disappoint you. Place yourselves on his side, trying to see the world and things with his eyes and you’ll be firm pillars of new bridges upon which everyone will walk happy and secure, and others will follow you.” With an intense silence the young people absorbed her every word.”
“Then, have no fear!” she continued, “Be yourselves and enter personally into society, and place your small or great personality at its service, as well as your abilities and your talents. You make a unique contribution, one that will never be repeated again, different from that of the adults… You are now called to spend your lives for something immense, leaving behind you something immortal.” At this point Maria Voce urged everyone: “So you need to step into action… Begin to love concretely. The first step will not involve actions on a grand scale, but those small acts of love that make life great and have the power to change the world and influence society… And never allow the bridges that have been built today to lessen. The first bridge was built right here among yourselves. You’ve constructed a small bit of united world and each of you carries the strength of this experience within you. And so you shall file out from this Sport Arena like a great river of love.” She concluded by recalling a statement from the founder, Chiara Lubich: “The world needs more ‘soul,’ more love. And this is what we should bring to it!” She wished them: “Courage, then! All of us united in this beautiful adventure!”
In the evening a large “Flashmob” – transmitted through live streaming – was held simultaneously with other flashmobs around the world. In Hungary it took place at the historical Chain Bridge over the Danube. It aimed to show the commitment of the group Youth for Unity in building bridges among people, countries, religions and cultures.
Focolare Information Service
August 31. The busy day began at the Hungarian Parliament where an international youth delegation from the Genfest was welcomed. This was followed in the afternoon by a grand celebration on the esplanade of the Sports Arena, the opening of an “Expo of Eastern Europe” performances and sports activities with live interviews transmitted over the radio. In the evening there was the festive concert with young artists from five continents, preceded by the greetings of the Mayor of Budapest Tarlos Istvan, and of the General President of UNESCO MS Katalina Bogyay.
Pope Benedict XVI also sent a message offering his warm greetings to all the young people present. Referring to the Genfest motto “Let’s bridge” and to the bridges destroyed during the Second World War, the Pope affirmed: “Yet, out of the ashes of that terrible conflict, there arose a determination to build peace on lasting foundations, a determination which was to be the inspiration behind the founding of the Focolare Movement. The bridges across the Danube were rebuilt, and the international community set itself the goal of eliminating once and for all the conditions that might lead to future conflict.“While Budapest itself, together with much of Eastern Europe, continued to suffer under the oppression of a totalitarian regime, there too, new possibilities for freedom and fraternal outreach have arisen since the end of the Cold War. May this beautiful city be a sign of hope to inspire all the young people present to offer the hand of friendship to those from other backgrounds and cultures, ‘in such a way as to shape the earthly city in unity and peace, rendering it to some degree an anticipation and foreshadowing of the undivided city of God’ (Caritas in Veritate, 7).”
September 1. It was the time for the presentation of several national delegations and the first part of “Let’s bridge,” a metaphor about the various phases in building a bridge, alternated with reflections and witnesses by youths from around the world who are committed to bringing about universal brotherhood in today’s world.
A solemn moment followed when the United World Project was launched – a project conceived and developed by the youth branch of the Focolare Movement but open to everyone’s collaboration. It aims at highlighting and promoting fraternity already under way by individuals, groups and nations. It will also set up a permanent international Observatory, recognized by the UN.
To these young people in particular Maria Voce addressed her talk, challenging them to “Aim high!” “Set your gazes far away,” she said, “it is there that you’ll find something certain that you can grab onto. Look to the Love that is God. He is the only One who doesn’t disappoint you. Place yourselves on his side, trying to see the world and things with his eyes and you’ll be firm pillars of new bridges upon which everyone will walk happy and secure, and others will follow you.” With an intense silence the young people absorbed her every word.”
“Then, have no fear!” she continued, “Be yourselves and enter personally into society, and place your small or great personality at its service, as well as your abilities and your talents. You make a unique contribution, one that will never be repeated again, different from that of the adults… You are now called to spend your lives for something immense, leaving behind you something immortal.” At this point Maria Voce urged everyone: “So you need to step into action… Begin to love concretely. The first step will not involve actions on a grand scale, but those small acts of love that make life great and have the power to change the world and influence society… And never allow the bridges that have been built today to lessen. The first bridge was built right here among yourselves. You’ve constructed a small bit of united world and each of you carries the strength of this experience within you. And so you shall file out from this Sport Arena like a great river of love.” She concluded by recalling a statement from the founder, Chiara Lubich: “The world needs more ‘soul,’ more love. And this is what we should bring to it!” She wished them: “Courage, then! All of us united in this beautiful adventure!”
In the evening a large “Flashmob” – transmitted through live streaming – was held simultaneously with other flashmobs around the world. In Hungary it took place at the historical Chain Bridge over the Danube. It aimed to show the commitment of the group Youth for Unity in building bridges among people, countries, religions and cultures.
Focolare Information Service
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