CBCP: Pray rosary, sing songs while waiting in line for Pope Francis

Pray the rosary, sing religious songs, and even have confession while lining the streets to get a glimpse of Pope Francis.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president issued these suggestions shortly before the pope's arrival, radio dzBB reported.

"Handa na tayo, humanly speaking," dzBB radio on Thursday quoted CBCP president and Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas as saying, hours before the pope's arrival in the Philippines for a five-day visit.

The CBCP advised the faithful waiting for the pope to welcome him with open hearts.

During his visit to the Philippines, the Pope is to take part in activities in Metro Manila and Leyte.

Earlier, Villegas encouraged Filipinos to line the streets where the Pope's motorcade will pass, and cheer him on.

The Pope is expected to arrive in the Philippines at about 5: 45 p.m. Thursday. A motocade will bring him to the Apostolic Nunciature, or the Vatican Embassy, along Taft Avenue.

Before dawn Thursday, several parishioners from Sta. Ana, Manila camped out near the Apostolic Nunciature where the Pope will be staying, to get a glimpse of him. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News