Fraternity bridges

A long, seven-kilometre march along the streets of Budapest, followed by a symbolical flashmob, waving of multi-coloured scarfs and world flags on the historical Chain Bridge. These were the closing events of the tenth Genfest, an event promoted by the Focolari Movement with the title: "Let’s bridge". With this symbolical gesture 12 000 youths present wished to "show their commitment to the building of fraternal relations between individuals and groups in their 104 Countries of origin". It is a response to the Message sent by Benedict XVI at the opening ceremony: that this beautiful city may trigger a "sign of hope" and an inspiration for dialogue with people from other cultural backgrounds and traditions. Genfest participants announced their adjournment in Rio, for the 2013 WYD. The voices. The bridge-building metaphor was the leitmotiv of the program. The youths publicly shared their personal stories. Bassem, from Egypt, launched "Belonging": a project involving the population of two neighbourhoods of Cairo whereby school walls are painted as a mode to wipe away the tensions that ensued the clashes in Tahirir square. Willie, from Mexico, eye-witnessed his cousin’s murder in the wake of violence caused by the war on narco-trafficking, but he decided to respond to hatred with love. Another youth from Thailand, after the flood that past October 2011 devastated the Country pulled up his socks and with hundreds of young people like himself engaged in strengthening the riverbanks protecting Bangkok. Many voices were heard, coupled by courageous decisions, often against mainstream trends. Auspices. Maria Voce, president of the Focolari Movement, with deep empathy and understanding appealed to the youth: "Direct your glances above, in the distance, where you will find a safe haven. Look at the love that is in God. He is the only One who will never disappoint you…" She added: "Don’t be afraid. Be yourselves as an active part of society… your contribution is unique… You are called to devote yourselves to a momentous endeavour, leaving behind you something immortal". She suggested the youth to take immediate action for concrete love starting with small things that make life grandiose and impact society. Quoting from Saint Maximilian Kolbe she said: "Only love is creative!" With her thoughts she greeted Chiara Lubich: "The world needs a surplus of soul, a surplus of love. This is what we have to bring!" The closing Mass. The closing Mass in St. Stephen’s Square was celebrated by Cardinal Peter Erdö, archbishop of Erstgom-Budapest. "God created us all. He is the shining light in our lives – His Eminence said during the liturgy -. In Him the whole of mankind can find its unity. In Him we are truly siblings". In an interview with the weekly "Cittanuova", the Cardinal said: "Secularization in Europe is a very complex phenomenon: if on the one side it appears that daily life is unrelated to the supranational sphere, on the other a large part of the population has a living yearning for the encounter with God". Commenting on the Genfest, he said: "this important public event drew public attention on the realm of religion in a way that is open to the rest of the world. Religion shouldn’t be the expression of national egoism. It should pave the way of reconciliation between peoples. This is one of the lessons of the Genfest to the city of Budapest". The Genfest closed with a minute of silence for peace, the time-out. Other Church dignitaries, from the Orthodox, Evangelical, and Anglican Churches joined His Eminence on the podium, along with young representatives of world faiths and religious traditions. In Budapest the youth launched the "United World Project", a signature collection demanding the UN’s recognition of a Permanent International Observatory for the monitoring of brotherhood implemented by individuals, groups and nations.