Malvern Retreat House hosts 120 nuns for World Meeting of Families

MALVERN, Pa. (WPVI) -- The pope is all the buzz at the Malvern Retreat House, where a group of more than a hundred nuns are staying for the World Meeting of Families.

The day starts early for the 120 nuns, from various orders. At 5:30 a.m. they eat breakfast before they hop a train to the city for the World Meeting of Families events.

Sister Mary Michael from Nashville, Tennessee says, "It is exciting to be here, very much. And I think what the greatest joy, really, is seeing the families - the fathers, the mothers, the children."

And Sister Virginia Herbers from Hamden, Connecticut tells us, "We're thrilled to have so many young people here in Philadelphia to celebrate and to enjoy being with their families and deepening their faith life."

Workers in the dining room say being able to help these nuns get their day started is an honor.

Deborah DeJesus is the dining room manager at the Malvern Retreat House. She says, "For myself and my staff it's just such a blessing to be able to serve those who spend their lives serving others."

The women are from all over the country. They tell us so far the City of Brotherly Love has been very welcoming.

Sister Mary Michael says, "There is a great energy. And in the city as well, people are very gracious and excited to see us. They're glad that we're here. We keep thanking them for having us. And they keep saying 'we're just so glad you're here.' So, it's great to be in Philadelphia right now."

And they, like many of the pilgrims traveling to Philadelphia, are looking forward to the weekend, and all of the festivities it will bring.

Sister Clare from Covington, Kentucky explains, "This will be our first time to see Pope Francis. So, we're very excited, very excited he is coming to the United States."