In the 2000-year history of the Catholic Church, Bill Atkinson was the first quadriplegic to be ordained as a priest. After being paralyzed in a tragic tobogganing accident, he entered the priesthood and taught from 1975 to 2004 at Monsignor Bonner High School. Now, he might be on the path to sainthood.
In September, Stephen McWilliams presented a program on Atkinson’s life and journey ahead as the church considers the case for his canonization. One of Atkinson’ closest friends, McWilliams now works for the cause of sainthood for the former priest and teacher.