Local Genfest Burundi

From August 22 to 25, the GenFest was held for the first time in Burundi, specifically in Ngozi at the Lycée Don Bosco de Burengo. There were more than 450 participants, including about forty Gen from Congo, particularly from the cities of Goma and Bukavu. They were accompanied by a priest, a Focolarino, and two volunteers. Additionally, we had six young people from the Anglican Church, who were accompanied by their pastor. There were seminarians in attendance as well as.

Upon our arrival on the afternoon of August 22, we began the GenFest with a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Ngozi, who kindly joined us to open the festival. The following days were filled with opportunities to explore various themes, focusing on how we can care for creation, as reflected in the theme of the GenFest: “Together to Care” – which meant caring for ourselves, others and therefore our society, and our shared common home – the environment.

At the GenFest, we discussed ways to promote peace in our countries (Burundi and Congo) and the Great Lakes region, which is currently affected by conflicts. We explored how not to remain passive victims of decisions made by leaders, but instead, to become active agents of change and instruments of God by participating in the integral development of a just and fair society.

We also talked about taking care of our bodies, specifically by avoiding harmful habits like drug use. To improve our well-being, we discussed how we could enhance our living conditions ourselves, rather than always waiting for external solutions to combat the poverty that plagues our countries.

During the event, the Anglican pastor shared his story of discovering the Focolare Movement during an ecumenical meeting in Switzerland. Since that day, he has continued to accept God’s will.

We also had moments of sharing about the various experiences from the first phase of GenFest. The festival concluded with a concert by the group GEN SORRISO, which included a performance by GEN FUOCO from the Democratic Republic of Congo that energized the youth.

Here are some impressions on the GenFest (from the Facebook page of the Focolare Movement in Burundi):

  1. “I was deeply touched by the themes of GenFest, as everything was prepared with great love and precision. I thank the organizers for this event. Despite challenges like language barriers and water shortages, we recognized that the Ideal is stronger than anything, and joy prevailed among us.”
  2. “This GenFest left a profound impact on me. It brought me closer to these wonderful young people and helped me live my priesthood more fully. I felt like part of a family and learned a life lesson: ‘Stop being so that others may be.’ In other words, die in oneself to make space for others.”
  3. “I was very moved by the presence of the Anglican pastor, who actively participated in all the activities and even attended Mass with us Catholics.”
  4. “I experienced true unity in diversity. The honesty of the participants moved me deeply. I never imagined that such an event could take place without anyone stealing, yet there wasn’t a single incident.”

It’s also worth noting that at GenFest, we weren’t only Gen 2 and JPMU; there were also volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, especially in the kitchen and during health emergencies. Some Gen 3 who had expressed a desire to attend were also present. Ultimately, it was a festival of joy and a celebration of the family that is formed through unity.