William Edward Atkinson
William Edward Atkinson | |||||||||||
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 Atkinson in 1974, shortly before his ordination. | |||||||||||
| Priest, Augustinian Friar, educator | |||||||||||
| Born | January 4, 1946 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Died | September 15, 2006 (aged 60) Villanova, Pennsylvania, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Venerated in | Catholicism | ||||||||||
Ordination history | |||||||||||
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William Edward Atkinson, O.S.A. (January 4, 1946 – September 15, 2006) was an American Augustinian priest and educator. He was the first quadriplegic priest ordained in the Catholic Church.[1]
Then-Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput opened Atkinson's cause for canonization on April 24, 2017, designating him as a servant of God.[2][3] On October 19, 2021, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez closed the cause at the diocesan level and sent documentation to be presented to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican.[4]
Early life and education
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. His father worked as a trolley operator for SEPTA. His brother, Al Atkinson played linebacker for the New York Jets from 1965 to 1974.[5][6] Atkinson attended St. Alice Elementary School in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959, and later Monsignor Bonner High School, graduating in 1963.[7]
Religious vocation and accident
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. While going downhill, some snow blew into his face and he ran his sled into a tree. The force of the impact severed his spinal cord at the neck, with doctors later stating that Atkinson should have been killed immediately. He was driven to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, a 45-minute drive. Following his arrival, his breathing stopped several times and his fellow seminarians were informed of his death on three separate occasions. Over the course of four months, he lost nearly 100 pounds and had to have a segment of bone from his hip fused into his neck so he could hold his head upright.[5]
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
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][8]
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). He was known for his sense of humor, effective teaching, and compassionate guidance.[9]
Later life and death
In 2004, due to declining health, Atkinson moved to the Health Care Unit of St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery at Villanova University. He died 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.[7]
Cause for canonization
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.[3] His remains were subsequently moved to the same church in 2023 to encourage private veneration. At least three reported miracles have been attributed to Atkinson, none have yet been approved by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.[10]
Legacy
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 during his physical challenges. These include a campaign launched in 2024 to create bronze memorial sculptures in his honor, and a documentary ExtraOrdinary produced by the Augustinian Order.[11][12][13][14]
References
- ^ a b c Peterson, Larry (12 June 2019). "This Pennsylvania native became the first American quadriplegic priest". Aleteia. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "The Cause of Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson O.S.A." Augustinian.org. The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ a b Nevadomski, Michael (25 April 2017). "Sainthood cause for paralyzed priest officially gets under way". CatholicPhilly. Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Christian, Gina (21 October 2021). "Local priest takes a step toward sainthood". CatholicPhilly. Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ a b Gebhart, John Edward (16 January 1974). "Bill Atkinson: His ordination Feb. 2 will be the latest in a long line of miracles". Delaware County Daily Times. MediaNews Group. p. 3. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ Gehman, Jim (6 June 2019). "Where Are They Now: Al Atkinson". New York Jets. New York Jets, LLC. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ a b Polanco, Inés (7 February 2024). "Fr. Bill Atkinson OSA: The first quadriplegic priest of the Catholic Church". augustinianorder.org. Order of Saint Augustine. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Flynn, JD (3 June 2025). "'Closely conformed to his own cross' — and is 2027 the new 2026?". The Pillar. bonnerprendie.com. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ "Who is Fr. Bill Atkinson?". Bonner & Prendergast Catholic High School. Retrieved 13 March 2025."Who is Fr. Bill Atkinson?". Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Holden, Joe; Kenworthy, Will (19 June 2024). "Remains of Delaware County priest considered for sainthood reinterred at Villanova University chapel". CBS Philadelphia. CBS Broadcasting Inc. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ DeGrassa, Peg (9 September 2025). "Fr. Bill Atkinson Sculpture Committee searches for late priest's caregivers". Delaware County Daily Times. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Gray, Ellen (31 October 2020). "'ExtraOrdinary': WHYY to air film about former Monsignor Bonner teacher who could someday be named a saint". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ "Nationwide Premiere Of ExtraORDINARY, The Bill Atkinson Story". Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "ExtraOrdinary: The Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. Story". The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
