The theme of the first Lednica (1997) was to be dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It was the Pope’s wish for one year to be dedicated to the Holy Spirit, followed by one to Jesus Christ and then one to God the Father. Since our meeting in Lednica was to take place only once, it was decided to join the themes of these three years and have just one theme dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
No one at the time thought that this was just the beginning- the beginning of a long journey full of new and creative ideas which needed so much work and commitment to bring them to fruition and which would unite so many people.
This was to be the first and last meeting of its kind .Impatience and expectancy were in the air as 20,000 young people waited to show their solidarity with the Pope, who unable to be there in person, only had time to fly over the symbolic Gate (Brama Ryby )in Lednica.
In the presence of St. Adalbert’s relics, brought from Gniezno, the Pope’s recorded voice was played to the crowd. At dawn, having walked through the symbolic Gate, everyone set off for Gniezno where the John Paul II was to celebrate Mass.
The whole event was to be dedicated to the Holy Trinity but there was only time to celebrate Mass to God the Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost had to be omitted but He was soon to show His power and new meetings began to take place.
Lednica 2-3 June 1997
During the first Lednica, about 20,000 people waited patiently to show their solidarity with the Pope- John Paul II, who unable to be there in person, flew over the Lednica Fields and the symbolic Gate and in this way lead the Polish youth into the 3rd millennium of Christianity.
Walking through the symbolic Gate has now become an intergral part of the event. So also has praying in the presence of St.Adalbert’s relics , brought annually from the cathedral in Gniezno. That first time in Lednica, we listened to the Pope’s recorded words:
“ Do not be afraid to walk into the future through the Gate- which is Christ. Believe His words, believe in His love. Our salvation is in Him. Let your faith, hope and love be a witness for future generations. Persevere. It is not enough to simply cross the threshold -go further!”.
The theme of this event was to be dedicated to the Holy Trinity but there was only time for Mass to God the Father and Jesus Christ.
At dawn, everyone set off for Gniezno to meet the Pope.
