Father Damien is another step closer to Sainthood, with the pope himself making a decision as soon as tomorrow.

It's now up to Pope Benedict to approve that a cancer cure was a miracle, and to set in motion what could be the final stretch toward naming Damien a saint.

After a 13-year wait since beatification for the next step to sainthood for Father Damien, it's now in the pope's hands. "It's really something that we have often prayed for, and now we'll see become a reality," said Father Christopher Keahi from the Congregation of Sacred Hearts.

He gave his life to serve the patients of Kalaupapa Molokai, dying of complications from Hansen's disease in 1889.

Catholic Church officials have agreed blessed Damien's intervention was the miracle that cured an Aiea woman's cancer in 1998.

Now the miracle is up to Pope Benedict to approve. "The document will be presented to the Holy Father tomorrow July 3rd, at that point we will have to wait with patience for the vatican's communication about the holy father's actions."

If the Pope approves, the date of canonization, the formal granting of sainthood, could be decided at a consistory meeting in February.

Hawaii Catholics anticipate canonization would come sometime later in 2009.

"It's good for the patients over in kalaupapa," said Father Keahi.  "That the priest that worked with them and labored for them will reach the highest pinnacle and that is to be called a saint."

Hawaii's Catholic Bishop is leading the effort to plan a 2009 Sainthood Celebration, and the sacred hearts congregation of which Damien was part wants to build a museum in his honor.

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