MEDIA RELEASE

Lt. Gov. James ‘Duke’ Aiona and his wife, Vivian, will travel to Rome for the canonization of Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Catholic priest who will be declared a saint.

They are scheduled to leave Tuesday, Oct. 6 for what Aiona characterized as “an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the culmination of a true hero’s journey.”

Aiona also recent held a press conference to present commendations to nine boy scouts who raised more than $20,000 to fund a trip to witness the canonization. 

“These scouts have worked very hard to be part of this trip,” Aiona said in individually recognizing members of the St. Damien Troop, which was formed specifically for the event.

Aiona went on to praise the scouts for exhibiting what he described as “rigorous standards of leadership and exceptional service to their community, qualities exemplified by Blessed Damien.”

The canonization is scheduled for Oct. 11.