The Rev. Marc Alexander said the news out of Rome, that Audrey Toguchi's miracle could be attributed to Damien, "means this is the last major hurdle before Father Damien's canonization can be approved."

Bishop Larry Silva said he suspects the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, a group of cardinals and bishops who advise the pope on these matters, will meet in the months ahead. Among the 10 or so advisers on that panel: Cardinal William Levada, the former San Francisco chief who oversaw the Diocese of Honolulu and now fills the position that Pope Benedict held before becoming pope.

"I'm sure he will be in favor of aiding (sainthood) as far as he can," Silva said.

How long it will be is anyone's guess, Silva said, but he was willing to venture his own: "It probably will go through without any further ado. I would say this year a decision will be made. I'm hoping that they'll give us at least four, five, six months lead time before actual canonization. It would be nice to do some planning. We're already doing a little informal planning, as a contingency."

Silva said events will be held here as well as the main canonization in Rome, which he will attend.

"I say that because the Holy Father does canonizations," Silva added. "Our present Holy Father is 81, and though he does travel, he was not the traveler John Paul II was."

Silva would know. He recently returned from the Mainland, where he was in New York and Washington, D.C., for this month's papal visit.

It's a great time in Hawai'i to have some good news, Silva added.

"We've been receiving news about payoffs, people losing jobs," he said. "Father Damien was a man who did not give up hope. ... My prayer is that through his inspiration, we'll all be involved in helping our brothers and sisters in many ways."