Over 20,000 young Catholics were evacuated from Lednica 7 June after a powerful storm cut short one of Central Europe’s largest annual youth prayer events.
Held since 1997, the Lednica gathering centers on prayer, music, and sacraments, drawing youth through a giant fish-shaped gate symbolizing Christ.
This year’s theme, “Verso l’alto”—”to the heights”—echoed the spirit of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose coffin was present ahead of his upcoming canonisation.
As winds and lightning swept the field, youth leaders urged safety—but spiritual unity endured. Prayers continued in buses and tents, with Mass moved to a chapel, celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe.
“Don’t settle for a little love,” the cardinal told the youth. “Ask for more, for love without limits.” Despite the storm, organisers called the event a success, with many dioceses launching “Lednica on the Road” to carry the momentum forward across Poland.
Held since 1997, the Lednica meetings are the spiritual legacy of World Youth Day 1991 in Czestochowa.
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