William Edward Atkinson

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.
His cause for canonization is currently underway, and he has been designated as a Servant of God.

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. Atkinson attended St. Alice's Elementary School in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959, and later Monsignor Bonner High School, graduating in 1963.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Later life and death

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.

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. 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.

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 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

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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Atkinson, William Edward
1946 births
2006 deaths