ROME — Aiea resident Audrey Toguchi, the woman at the heart of the second miracle attributed to Father Damien, met Pope Benedict XVI today during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Toguchi was in a special section of VIPs who sat in a section on the steps, near the pope.
“In my whole life, I never thought I’d be so close to the pope,” said Toguchi. “I’m numb.”
About 500 Hawaii pilgrims were in the general seating area in St. Peter’s Square. They cheered when the group was mentioned as among those visiting the Vatican.
The Hawaii residents are on a pilgrimage for Father Damien’s canonization, which will take place Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
Toguchi said Pope Benedict XVI struck her as a very kind person. He greeted her and others in the VIP section after the general audience.
Toguchi said she thanked the pope for canonizing Father Damien. She also asked him to bless a packet of Father Damien medals.
Toguchi and her husband, Yukio, kissed the pope's ring.
Toguchi’s cure from lung cancer after praying to Father Damien was the second miracle attributed to the priest, assuring his canonization.