William Edward Atkinson
Servant of God William Edward Atkinson O.S.A. | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 4, 1946 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 15, 2006 (aged 62) Villanova, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Other names | Fr. Bill Atkinson |
| Occupation(s) | Catholic priest, educator |
| Known for | First quadriplegic priest ordained in the Catholic Church |
William Edward Atkinson, O.S.A. (January 4, 1946 – September 15, 2006) was an American Augustinian priest and educator. He holds the distinction of being the first quadriplegic priest ordained in the history of the Catholic Church.[1] His cause for canonization is currently underway, and he has been designated as a Servant of God.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]William Edward Atkinson was born on January 4, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Allen and Mary (née Connelly) Atkinson. He was one of seven children, having two brothers and four sisters. Atkinson attended St. Alice's Elementary School in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959, and later Monsignor Bonner High School, graduating in 1963.[3]
Religious vocation and accident
[edit]After high school, Atkinson entered the Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, New York, as a postulant. He began his novitiate at the Good Counsel Novitiate in New Hamburg, New York, on September 9, 1964. On February 22, 1965, Atkinson was involved in a tobogganing accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, rendering him a quadriplegic. Despite this life-altering injury, he expressed his desire to continue his religious vocation. He resumed his novitiate at St. Mary's Hall, Villanova University, where he was supported by a community of friars who assisted him with daily tasks.[1]
Ordination and ministry
[edit]Atkinson professed simple vows on July 20, 1970, and solemn vows on July 20, 1973. With a special dispensation from Pope Paul VI, he was ordained to the priesthood by John Cardinal Krol at St. Alice's Church in Upper Darby on February 2, 1974.[1]
From 1975 until 2004, Father Atkinson served at Monsignor Bonner High School, his alma mater. He taught theology, coordinated senior class retreats, served as assistant school chaplain, moderated the football team, and directed the after-school and Saturday detention program known as "Justice Under God" (JUG). Despite his physical limitations, he was known for his sense of humor, effective teaching, and compassionate guidance.[4]
Later life and death
[edit]In 2004, due to declining health, Father Atkinson moved to the Health Care Unit of St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery at Villanova University. He passed away on September 15, 2006, surrounded by his family and fellow friars. His funeral was held at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, and he was interred in the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.[3]
Cause for canonization
[edit]Atkinson's official cause for canonization began on April 24, 2017 when Archbishop Charles Chaput officiated the formal rite to begin the process at St. Thomas of Villanova Church.[5] His remains were subsequently moved to the same church in 2023 to encourage private veneration. Although at least three reported miracles have been attributed to Atkinson, none have yet been approved by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.[6]
Legacy
[edit]Father Atkinson's life has been the subject of various articles and documentaries from the local community in support of his canonization, highlighting his resilience and dedication to his vocation despite his physical challenges. These include a campaign launched in 2024 create bronze memorial sculptures in his honor, and a nationwide documentary "ExtraORDINARY" produced by the Augustinian Order [7] .[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c ""This Pennsylvania native became the first American quadriplegic priest"". Aleteia. June 12, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "The Cause of Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson O.S.A." Augustinian Order. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ a b "Fr. Bill Atkinson OSA: The first quadriplegic priest of the Catholic Church". The Order Of Saint Augustine. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "Who is Fr. Bill Atkinson?". Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "Sainthood cause for paralyzed priest officially gets under way". CatholicPhilly.com. April 21, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "Fr. Bill Atkinson's remains moved to Villanova University as his case for sainthood continues". CBS News Philadelphia. November 27, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "Fr. Bill Atkinson Sculpture Committee searches for late priest's caregivers". Delco Times. September 9, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "Nationwide Premiere Of ExtraORDINARY, The Bill Atkinson Story". Retrieved March 13, 2025.