Young pilgrims celebrate World Meeting of Families

RYDAL, Pa. (WPVI) -- Students at Saint Hilary of Poitiers in Rydal are doing their part in making sure the pope and thousands of pilgrims feel welcome this weekend.

From posters in hallways to arts and crafts assignments like pope puppets, students and staff member's excitement about the papal visit is on full display.

"Out of all the places in all over the world, they picked Philadelphia, that's like my hometown," said eighth grader Theresa Woltemite.

Students and parishioners at the school also made their own knots with their struggles and prayers with the hope that the devotion of Mary Undoer of Knots, who inspires Pope Francis, would help untie them.

A video made by the students last year will be played at the conference after they placed third in a contest.

"At the end of the day it just means so much to have so many people of the same faith coming together and just celebrating," said eighth grader Grace Comas.

Parents and teachers have also found ways to be involved in this week's events, including volunteering for the World Meeting of Families, singing in the festivities and taking part in the papal Mass Sunday on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

"The whole focus of this World Meeting of Families, and him coming here, and just showing that to my children to help them grow in their faith. I think it's just going to be an unbelievable celebration," said parent Maria Greenberg.

At the root of the celebration is a message even the youngest of students understand.

"You have to love each other," said 4-year-old Brenna Miller.