Nearly 200 Catholics are heading to Miami International Airport Friday morning as they prepare to travel to Cuba, a day ahead of Pope Francis' historic visit to the island nation.
The group's chartered flight takes off from Miami at 10 a.m.
3 brothers exiled from #Cuba as kids not OKd to fly back for #PopeFrancis but sending medical supplies. #Miami @NBC6 pic.twitter.com/nuC1P63ILO — Michael Spears (@MikeSpearsNBC6) September 18, 2015
The pilgrimage is not just about getting a chance to see and hear the pope speak. Rather, the group is traveling with a mission of spreading the word of the church and part of that includes hundreds of rosaries they will pass out to as many Cubans as they can.
NOW: The first of nearly 200 pilgrims heading to #Cuba for #PopeFrancis in line at @iflymia #Miami @NBC6. pic.twitter.com/dBLR3TseB4 — Michael Spears (@MikeSpearsNBC6) September 18, 2015
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The group is also bringing medicine and much needed supplies to distribute.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski also flew on the commercial flight with the group.
Archbishop of #Miami Thomas Wenski checking into his #Havana flight to see #PopeFrancis. @NBC6 pic.twitter.com/kZR8riuumA — Michael Spears (@MikeSpearsNBC6) September 18, 2015
The group was full of energy during a meeting St. Martha's Church in Miami Shores last weekend as they made last-minute preparations for the trip, picking up their paper work, team T-Shirts and matching sandals.
Pope Francis will arrive in Cuba on Saturday ahead of his first visit to the U.S. next week.