Thousands of young Catholics in Poland and from other countries gathered on June 3, 2018 to celebrate their faith.
The 22nd Lednica Youth Meeting is Poland’s largest annual meeting of Catholic youths from Poland and abroad. It was held near Lake Lednica, a historical site of the baptism of the first Polish king, Mieszko I in AD 966. This year’s theme was “I am” to echo Jesus’ message, “I am for you, I am with you, I am focused on you.”
I thank you that you come here and pray as we have been taught by this tradition for 1,050 years in this unique place – the place where the historical heart of our homeland beats. Andrzej Duda, President of Poland
Pilgrims from Germany, Belarus, Brazil, Croatia, Kenya, Italy, Lebanon and Canada flocked to Poland to join their Polish peers, reports Radio Poland. Mass, prayer vigils, and ceremonial dancing and singing were held for the young Christians to revitalize their faith.
The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining independence, reports international news agency Zenit. The President of the country, Andrzej Duda, visited the youth and gave them Polish flags. “Our white and red colors, so dear, please exhibit when there are important moments for you, for our homeland, for our history, for our identity,” he said.
He thanked the young Catholics for keeping the Christian faith alive. “I thank you that you come here and pray as we have been taught by this tradition for 1,050 years in this unique place – the place where the historical heart of our homeland beats.”
The gathering culminated with a traditional passage through the Third Millenium Gate, also called the Arc of the Fish. It is a steel construction shaped like a fish, the symbol of Jesus Christ, built in 1997 when the first Lednica get-together was held.
Sources:
Zenit
Radio Poland
