Christians prepare for papal visit with joyful noise and prayer

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- With all the focus on logistics and security, and even some of the inconveniences that the pope's visit will bring, it's important to remember that this event is a spiritual one.

Around the area, Christians are preparing for the visit with prayer and reflection. And for some that includes making a joyful noise.

The joyful noise comes from the Nigeria Igbo Community Choir at St. Cyprian Church in the city's Cobbs Creek section.

It's one of the last rehearsals before the group's performance at the Festival of Families Saturday on the Logan Square stage.

"Finally, I have a story to tell my kids and grandkids! Imagine! It's a big honor," said Laura Ihejirika, Assistant Choir Director.

Choir director Nikki Uduma wrote a letter to festizal organizers asking for the opportunity.

"It means really a lot. It gives me hope, it gives me motivation. I want to continue, we've been singing all our lives and this is really really exciting," said Uduma.

Music filled St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Spring Garden as well, during the mass for Lithuanian families.

Father John Puodziunas, a Franciscan Friar who now lives in Rome, is here for the World Meeting of Families.

"It's all in preparation for the Holy Father's visit. And that in itself is exciting. It's neat to come into the airport this morning and see the signs welcoming the Holy Father, so you know it's a buzz that has caught the whole city," said Father Puodziunas.

If you're looking for a convenient place to pray during the World Meeting of Families, the Convent of Divine Love is on Green Street just off the Ben Franklin Parkway and there's always a Sister here praying, 24/7.

The sisters invite travelers to visit and pray along with them.

"We're very near the parkway, so it's so easy, so accessible," said Sister Maria Clarissa.

The Pink Sisters, so called for their rose-colored habits, say their prayers this week have a different focus.

"Our prayers are not only for the success of the event, gathering many people and all that. But even more lasting fruits that it will bring to Philadelphia, to the United States," said Sister Maria Clarissa.