In just over a week Father Damien will ascend to sainthood.

Hundreds of Hawaii residents are making a pilgrimage to Belgium and Rome to be part of history.

Gina Mangieri is on her way to cover the events and sent us this report from Newark, New Jersey.

"We are half way to Europe. We're talking to you now from Newark airport where people are still in really good spirits. As soon as we get on the plane for Belgium there's going to be no rest on the other side. As soon as we land its off for a city tour of Brussels while the hotel gets ready to take us in, and then the next day, a very special festival held in Hawaii's honor in Father's Damien hometown."