Budapest Hosts 10th Genfest

?The goal of ?Genfest 2012: let's bridge? is to spread a culture of brotherhood and unity among peoples, through everyday life, commitment, and stories of thousands of young people who have chosen to be protagonists,? the organisers say.

?Genfest is a meeting of thousands of young people from different countries, ethnic groups, cultures and religions, all motivated by the same ideal: to live every day and every situation for universal brotherhood, to build a more caring and united world. They meet to share projects and daily experiences.?

Genfest is the brainchild of Chiara Lubich, who founded the Focolare Movement. Established in 1973, it gathers together not only the youth of movement but ?all those who dream of a more human and just world?.

Cardinal Péter Erdő, the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary, who is the chief patron of the event, said on Tuesday that it is important to ?appreciate our identity, whether cultural, linguistic or ethnic.?

?If God has created diversity then it?s at least as valuable as biodiversity. This must be respected when we progress in the process of unification that involves mankind in the whole world,? he added.

Genfest, which is being held in Central and Eastern Europe for the first time this year, also enjoys the patronage of Reformed Bishop József Steinbach, chairman of the Hungarian Ecumenical Council of Churches, and Budapest Mayor István Tarlós.

Rita Héjj, a Genfest organiser, said a proposal would be made in Budapest to establish a global monitor for events important for global fraternity.

Mayor of Budapest?s District V Antal Rogán will inaugurate a ?Fraternity Corner? in Elisabeth Square on August 30.

The Genfest orchestra GenRosso will perform the musical Streetlight at Petőfi Hall in the evening on Thursday.

Genfest?s official opening will take place at the Budapest Sport Arena on Friday. A ?peace march? from the arena to the Chain Bridge in the city centre will follow.

Genfest will close with a mass in front of Saint Stephen?s Basilica.

Genfest events will be broadcast on television and streamed over the internet. Duna World intendant Gábor Daru said the channel will dedicate an entire day to Genfest on September 1.

For more information visit www.genfest.org or fokolare.hu.

Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)