Papal Pilgrims Walking From Baltimore Continue Week-Long Journey To Philly
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pilgrims from all over the world are pouring into town for this weekend's Papal event, and some are making the pilgrimage the old-fashioned way…on foot.
Last Sunday, more than 20 youngsters embarked from Baltimore on a spiritual journey like no other. Led by Father Jack Lombardi, they've walked 12 to 15 miles each day:
"This is day six and we have two more days after this and everybody's doing well," he says. "Got some tired people, but pace ourselves and we'll make it to the Papal Mass in Philadelphia."
The sixth day began on a quiet road in Kennet Square. The pilgrim's legs and feet may be sore, but their spirits are soaring.
Jamie Link wears a sleeve over her cranky left knee:
"What happened? It keeps popping but nothing serious," she says. "Just uncomfortable I guess. I put a wrap on it."
She says no matter what, she isn't going to stop.
For 17-year-old Edmunnd Tiller, the journey has been a bonding experience:
"I'd say over all its been amazing."
(Reporter) What are you getting out of this?
"I guess kind of fellowship and unity. Friendship building, plus seeing the Pope at the end will be awesome."
Edmund's nine-year-old sister, Philomenam, is the youngest of the group. Why did she decide to tag along?
"Because our parish was doing it and I want to," she says. "I wanted to see the Pope."
At the end of the trail on Sunday that's exactly who everyone will get to see. Father Lombardi says the buzz is building:
"Each step along the way seems to bring more excitement, surprises and joy. So we're really excited about it. Then, of course we walk in on Sunday and it'll be electric."
The final leg of their journey should be the easiest -- a nearly six-mile trek from Lansdowne to Philadelphia.
