Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., is a Villanova alumnus on the path to sainthood. He is most known for his never-ending dedication to God while facing a life-changing disability, and Father Atkinson’s body was relocated to the Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on June 14, 2024, because his funeral was celebrated there years ago.
His case towards canonization has been in the works since August of 2014, when 25 individuals were asked to come to Saint Augustine Friary in Villanova by the Augustinian Postulator General, Fr. Josef Sciberras, O.S.A. Father Sciberras came from Rome to inquire if Father Atkinson should be considered for sainthood, just eight years after his passing.
One by one, the guests argued for Father Atkinson to be canonized, and Fr. Sciberras ultimately agreed. His canonization was officially requested on September 15, 2015. This was the anniversary of his death, and his case was opened officially April 24, 2017. This date also marks the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Augustine.
“Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. serves as an inspiration to everyone as he overcame hardship with faith by leaning on his God, his family, his caregivers, and his Augustinian brothers,” said Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province. “It’s important to know his story because suffering is part of the human condition. Father Bill serves as a role model of faith for others who are struggling, who may be tempted to give into fatigue and despair. He didn’t just cope, he lived with hope. For those of us who knew him we are inspired by his life. For those who didn’t know him now have a chance to get to know someone who persevered through great obstacles and can serve as an inspiration for others to do the same.”
Father Atkinson’s canonization process is nearing its end, and is awaiting examination in Rome. The process does not follow an exact timeline, and there is still work to be done. However, Father Atkinson’s journey towards sainthood is on its way. His memory is marked by his demonstrated life of holiness and virtue, as well as the dedication to his mission, his unwavering faith and his transformative influence on those around him reflect the qualities of a saintly life.
Father Atkinson was known for his deep commitment to pastoral care and education. He served in various capacities within his religious community, including as a teacher and spiritual advisor. His life took a turn when riding in a toboggan which hit a tree in 1965. After this accident, he was left paralyzed from the neck down. However, through endless determination, he decided to continue his life as an Augustian. Father Atkinson attended Villanova, where he studied theology. Nine years after his accident, he said his first Mass at the fieldhouse of Villanova University.
“I was blessed to have met Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., many years ago as a child,” Father Rob said. “He was Uncle Bill to friends who were his nieces and nephews, with whom I went to school. I was encouraged in my vocation to see the impact he made on so many others with joy and faith. Father Bill inspired me to become an Augustinian priest.”
From the years 1975 to 2004, Father Atkinson was stationed at St. Joseph’s Seminary, where he taught at Monsignor Bonner High School. He was also the senior year retreat coordinator, director of after-school detention, moderator of the football team and the assistant school chaplain.
In addition to the theology classes that Father Atkinson took at Villanova, he received an additional honorary degree from the University in 2000. Father Atkinson was known for his kindness, dedication, preservation and wonderful sense of humor, before his passing on September 15, 2006.
“He has a great legacy here, and we hope that alumni, current students, future students and visitors will come to know him for generations and receive the same inspiration we received: to never give up, to love the life God has given you and to take God’s gifts and find a way to give them to others,” Father Hagan said. “This is how Father Bill lived his life, and Villanova offers us the platform to continue to share this story.”
