Father Bill Atkinson Remembered at Mass 20 Years After His Death

St. Thomas of Villanova Church held a memorial Mass on September 15 to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Father Bill Atkinson. An Augustinian priest and longtime theology teacher at Msgr. Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, Atkinson died on September 15, 2006.

Father Robert Hagan presided over the Mass, noting that Atkinson is a servant of God with an active movement working to promote his cause for sainthood. Atkinson was the first quadriplegic man ordained as a priest after a tobogganing accident during his studies left him unable to use his arms and legs.

Hagan described Atkinson as a mentor and friend to students who demonstrated how to find peace and love through his faith and ministry. Atkinson's body remains at St. Thomas of Villanova Church.