No likeness on file
William Edward Atkinson
American Augustinian, the first quadriplegic man ordained a Catholic priest
Servant of GodFull write-upUnited States
Born
4 January 1946
verified
Died
15 September 2006
verified
Beatified
—
not yet
Canonised
—
not yet
Who they were
Paralysed in a tobogganing accident as a novice, Atkinson received a papal dispensation and was ordained in 1974, then taught theology and served as a chaplain at Monsignor Bonner High School for thirty years.
The miracles
No miracle has been approved. The cause is at its first stage.
Why that counted as sanctity
Santi e Beati lists him as a Servant of God; the cause was opened in Philadelphia in 2017.
The cause
William Edward Atkinson is named a Servant of God; the cause continues. Favours received, and offers of help, go to the postulation, the office that carries the cause forward: The cause of William Edward Atkinson.
Sources
Checked against the sources listed on 24 September 2026. Corrections welcome.