Philadelphia — Connecticut travelers on a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis have a variety of reasons for going: Some want to be part of history, others want to feel connected to something greater than themselves and, for some, the trip was about recharging their spiritual batteries.

Two buses left the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich early Thursday morning for a four-day pilgrimage to Philadelphia, the last leg of Pope Francis' trip to the United States. 

They know that the odds of actually seeing the pope up close are slim to none.

Organizers in Philadelphia expect about 500,000 people for a festival and concert featuring Pope Francis on Saturday and more than a million people when he celebrates Mass on Sunday.

But even those dim prospects don't deter the spirit and energy of the pilgrims going on this trip.

They just want to be near Pope Francis, who in March 2013 became the first Jesuit and pontiff from Latin America.

Before then he was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio and lived in a humble residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bergoglio took the bus to work instead of being chauffeured. He visited prisons and the sick and scolded those who refused to serve those in need.

Many of the pilgrims said Pope Francis' appeal is that he is incredibly human. He's "relatable" and not judgmental, which those who were raised with "Catholic guilt" find refreshing.

"I'm hoping for inner peace," said Lori Matt, a parishioner from St. Agnes. "I think we're going to see history in the making."

"He's a people person," said Matt's husband, Michael Burns. "My mother would have loved him. She was a woman of great faith."

Burns' mother, Virginia, died 12 years ago, but he said he still feels connected with her. Burns is the youngest of six children. His mother was pregnant with him when his father died.

Burns said it was his mother's faith that helped her stay strong to raise the children.

She transmitted that faith to them and was a great example of what a Christian should be, just like Pope Francis is doing in the world today, he said.

"This world is changing," said Burns. "The world needs someone like Pope Francis. They need someone who is relatable and who is showing them what it means to love."

"I hope to see him in the flesh," said Jane Woodmansee, a parishioner at Saint Agnes in Niantic. "He transcends boundaries and is able to reach all types of people. He's drawing people together in a way that no one has done in a long time."

Woodmansee is a secretary at the Congregational First Church of Christ in Clinton, where many members are excited for her and have great admiration for the pope.

"He walks the talk," said Woodmansee."He's able to reach out to people without judging them, but he also calls us to do more. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The road to Philadelphia wasn't without its hitches. Between Bridgeport and Westport one of the two coach buses carrying 50 pilgrims apiece started to overheat.

The bus had to maneuver several times into the shoulder lane to cool off before it could restart. The pilgrims finally made it to a rest stop in Darien and, after an hour of waiting, boarded a new bus.

People did not get hot or annoyed at the prospect of the unscheduled delay.

Like the devout Catholics they are, they did what they know how to do best — pray. The pulled out their rosaries while on the bus and started to recite the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

"Let's dedicate this rosary to our safe arrival," the woman leading the group in prayer said.

Noemi Gonzalez-Figueroa of Meriden said she is in a transitional period in her life. She got married two months ago and is moving next month to San Diego.

Her friend, Laura Howe of Norwich, invited her about a week ago to come on the pilgrimage when Howe's husband could not come because of a work conflict.

"I thought about it, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the presence of the pope," said Gonzalez-Figueroa. "I need a special blessing. I want graces to fill my life. The presence of the pope is the next best thing to saying 'thank you' to Jesus."

On the six-hour ride to Philadelphia, the travelers played games to pass the time more quickly.

A spirited multiple-choice game of "How well do you know Pope Francis?" earned the winners books about the pontiff.

The pilgrims arrived in late afternoon at The Miraculous Medal Shrine, where the Most Rev. Robert J. McManus of Worcester celebrated Mass.

Some pilgrims on the trip wondered what Pope Francis' message would be to them when he arrives in Philadelphia.

In a few days, they and the world will know.

i.larraneta@theday.com

Twitter: @larraneta