The story of the first quadriplegic Catholic priest on the road to sainthood

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley share a live interview recorded at 6ABC studios in Philadelphia, Pa., featuring prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, Robert Hagan, O.S.A. Father Rob discusses the case for the canonization of Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., an Augustinan friar who was the first quadriplegic ordained in the Catholic Church and whose life—according to Father Rob—was a miracle. 

Zac, Ashley and Father Rob discuss: 

• Father Rob’s vocation story and why Father Bill inspired him to become an Augustinian priest

• How Father Bill’s radical dependence on others and unwavering faith in the midst of great suffering inspired those around him 

• The case for Father Bill’s canonization 

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley unpack recent backlash against the Charlotte diocese for a leaked draft on liturgical norms amid traditional Latin Mass restrictions; The Catholic University of America in Washington’s two new degrees in artificial intelligence; and Pope Leo and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s first phone call.  

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Jesuitical Young Adult Retreat: What’s Your Story?

• Open to ages 21-39

• Friday, June 27th (evening) + Saturday, June 28th (all day)

• New York, NY

• Friday: America Media Office – 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036

• Saturday: Jesuits USA East Province – 39 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028

• Cost: $100 

• Housing: Participants are responsible for their own lodging in NYC

• Capacity: The retreat will be capped at 30 participants. First come, first served.

Links for further reading: 

• Jesuitical Storytelling Retreat

• Who is Fr. Bill Atkinson?

• Meet Fr. Bill Atkinson, OSA–the first quadriplegic Catholic priest

• Green Bananas: The Wisdom of Father Bill Atkinson

• Charlotte diocese faces backlash for leaked draft on liturgical norms amid traditional Latin Mass restrictions

• Catholic University of America to launch new degrees in A.I.

• Pope Leo XIV and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have first phone call

• Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A,, found God beyond the labels that divide us

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