Supporters for the canonization of Father Bill Atkinson are memorializing his legacy with three bronze sculptures.

The late Father Atkinson is an Upper Darby native, and the Catholic Church’s first quadriplegic priest, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.

Atkinson was both a student and a teacher at Monsignor Bonner High School.

Artist Timothy Schmalz has sculpted a life-size sculpture of Father Atkinson with the tagline, “Sit, Rest, Pray, Heal.”

“I am committed to capture the spirit of Fr. Bill and spread his positive energy,” remarked Schmalz.

A sculpture will be placed atop Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School’s athletic fields. Another will be in a Healing Garden at St. Agustine Parish in Old City.

A third is planned for Rome at the international headquarters of the Augustinians.

Father Atkinson’s first official step toward sainthood took place in April 2017, when he was declared a “Servant of God.”

Marie Keith of Upper Providence credits Atkinson’s intercession as a miracle that saved her son, Cole, who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident.

In the process of canonization, Father Atkinson must still be designated “Venerable” and “Blessed” before being declared a saint.

Find out more about the life and impact of the late Father Bill Atkinson in the Daily Times.

Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on DELCO Today in January 2024.