Father Bill Atkinson’s 10th Anniversary Mass was celebrated by Prior Provincial Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., at Saint Thomas of Villanova church on the evening of Thursday, September 15, 2016. Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A., gave the homily. Nearly 400 people, Augustinian Friars, members of Father Bill’s family – sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews – along with friends, former students, and supporters of the Augustinians, gathered to honor and remember this Augustinian priest, who the Vatican had declared “Servant of God,” opening his Cause for sainthood.
Following Mass, a dinner was held at the Connelly Center on the campus of Villanova University. In the President’s lounge of the Connelly Center, a film with reminiscences of friars, family and friends, along with photos of Father Bill’s at his ordination and with his family and friends, was shown.
Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., was injured at the age of 19 in a tobogganing accident, which rendered him quadriplegic. With a dispensation from Pope Pail VI was ordained to the priesthood by John Cardinal Krol, at his home parish of Saint Alice, in Upper Darby, Pa. For nearly 30 years, Father Bill was assigned to his alma mater, Msgr. Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, Pa., where he was a teacher, chaplain, and mentor to students and faculty.
To view the 10th Anniversary Mass, click here.
To view the homily by Father Rob Hagan, click here.
