Valley Catholics travel to see the Pope

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley Catholics are traveling across the country to see the Pope. Among them, church leaders, parishioners and a congressman.

When the Pope landed in the U.S. he walked a red carpet, shook hands with the President and took a ride in a Fiat. Many in Fresno watched it all on the small screen. On Wednesday, Kelly Lilles, a Valley Catholic, will see him in person.

"All of a sudden it's a reality, tonight we're going to go to sleep and wake up and tomorrow we're going to be a part of history," said Lilles.

Like many from the Valley she travelled to our nation's capital to be a witness. Not just to the pontiff's historic visit, but also, the canonization of Junipero Serra. "I feel very blessed and I'm going to be even more blessed, I feel really blessed," she said.

Congressman Jim Costa also feels blessed. He is a man of faith and was raised in the church. He'll be in DC on Thursday, when Pope Francis addresses congress.

"Lord knows there's a great division that exists in our capitol today and we could use some spiritual bonding," said Costa.

Later this week, the Pope will be in Philadelphia. Jim Scroggin, is already there, waiting for him. He's with the Knights of Columbus. "Million plus people here, they've been setting up all week, the roads have been blocked," he said.

He likely won't see him up close. Not like, a couple years ago, in Rome. "Face to face, shook his hand and kissed his ring and that kind of stuff, yeah," said Scroggin.

For many, just being in the same city is enough and the memories will last, long after the trip is over.