VOLUME XI . ISSUE I THE AUGUSTINIAN

FATHER BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A., SERVANT OF GOD p. 3

THE YEAR OF MERCY p. 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS one g i f t, immeasurable blessings

THE AUGUSTINIAN . VOLUME XI . ISSUE I HOW DO WE MEASURE THE BLESSINGS CONTENTS OF YOUR GIFT TO THE AUGUSTINIAN FUND? IN THIS ISSUE

P. 3 THANK YOU Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., Servant of God for blessing Bill Atkinson, third of seven children, was born to Mary Connelly Atkinson and Allen Joseph Atkinson on January 4, 1946, in OUR WORK Philadelphia, Pa. He was raised in Upper Darby, Pa., steps away from the trolley tracks that came from the nearby 69th Street with your gift terminal. He was a quiet, upbeat kid who went to Alice church and grade school. He attended Monsignor Bonner High School, in Drexel Hill, Pa., an Archdiocesan high school staffed by the Augustinian Friars, a trolley stop away from his home. By the support given to educate men By the support given to care for our He is described by many as a talented athlete who focused living in community while discerning sick and elderly friars who have given 3 mainly on playing baseball. He was 18 when he entered the the Augustinian way of life. their lives in service. Augustinian Order and 19 when he was received as a novice in the remote novitiate house on the Hudson, north of West Point. IN EVERY ISSUE It was there that Bill Atkinson met with a near fatal accident that would devastate his body but not his soul or his course. His daily survival story is one of faith, Augustinian brotherhood, family and Columns friendship. His life is a story about a quadriplegic whose actions of service and commitment convinced the and the News and Notes 18 Church that he should be ordained, a groundbreaking action Keeping Track 22 approved by . His death has not stopped his momentum, and In Paradisium 23 as his Augustinian brotherhood, family and friends share his story, it Advancement 24 has prompted the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to approve the opening of Father Bill Atkinson’s Cause for Sainthood.

14 P. 14 The Year of Mercy By the support given to our By the support given to Augustinian By the support given to aid the Pope Francis expresses the Year of Mercy as an opportunity ACKNOWLEDGMENTS missionaries that serve the poor, Volunteers who partner with Augustinian uninsured to provide medical care for the gift of grace and conversion. The journey for these needy and marginalized in Japan communities to serve God’s people. at the Augustinian Defenders Thanks to John J. Sheridan, O.S.A. (Archivist), gifts requires a pilgrimage to a Holy Door, and Francis has and June Weiland (Assistant Archivist) of the and Peru. of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) made the doors accessible throughout the world, with special Augustinian Provincial Archives at Saint Thomas considerations for prisoners and disabled individuals. This year Unity Clinic in South Philadelphia. of Villanova Monastery; the Philadelphia ON THE COVER Archdiocesan Historical Research Center for reminds us of the need for forgiveness, confession and Works their access to the Robert and Theresa Halvey of Mercy. The feature highlights the special Holy Door at the Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., Servant of God. Photograph Collection; Mary Moody for From the 2016 icon written by Richard Cannuli, access to her family photos; Ted Glessner; National Shrine of Saint Rita of , a devotional space O.S.A., an internationally known artist and Scott Fremont, Grace Kane, Mrs. Marge Roccio founded in 1907 by Augustinians of the Province of Saint faculty member of Villanova University since 1978. and Sr. Anne Brigid Gallagher, I.H.M., of the Known for his work in watercolor, oil, printmaking, Bonner-Prendergast staff; Augustinian Friars: Thomas of Villanova. Saint Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian collage, icons, liturgical design and vestments, Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., (Prior Provincial), known for her forgiveness and mercy, is also highlighted, Richard Cannuli, O.S.A., Arthur Chappell, O.S.A., Please consider a gift to the Augustinian Fund Father Cannuli made the vestments for along with other Augustinian and Blesseds known for Father Bill seen in his Ordination photos. John Denny, O.S.A., Edward Dixey, O.S.A., Richard Ekmann, O.S.A., Rob Hagan, O.S.A., their works of mercy. before the end of the fiscal year on May 31, 2016. Francis Horn, O.S.A., Donald Reilly, O.S.A.; Father Bill’s brothers and sisters, Joan Alice, Al, Betty, Mary, Ed and Patty. Use the Envelope in this magazine on page 12 to mail your check THE AUGUSTINIAN A publication of the Province Main Reference Book for the Year of Mercy: or donate online at www.augustinianfund.org/donate/ of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Book of Augustinian Saints, Vol 2; edited by John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Augustinian Press, 2000

THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 1 VOLUME XI . ISSUE I

THE AUGUSTINIAN

Teddie Gallagher EDITOR Kitty Sheridan ASSOCIATE EDITOR 20nine LAYOUT AND DESIGN LETTER FROM THE

The Augustinian is a publication of the PRIOR PROVINCIAL Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. For queries, address changes and other correspondence, contact: Editor Dear Friends, Augustinian Provincial Offices May the grace and peace of the Easter Season, through which we now journey, be yours! P.O. Box 340 Villanova, PA 19085-0340 Please accept the good wishes of all the friars of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova who join me in expressing prayerful greetings to you. PHONE 610-527-3330 FAX 610-520-0618 Once again, we find ourselves refreshed and enlightened by Spring’s warmth and by the added EMAIL [email protected] daylight which the season brings. They are reminders of the new life that has been won for us WEB www.augustinian.org through the great mystery we have recently celebrated, of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. May the spirit of these events touch you deeply and remain with you for many months to come. We are happy to communicate to you several life-giving and hope-filled events which are AUGUSTINIANS recounted in this issue of The Augustinian. We’ve shared with you previously the encouraging news Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova of the Cause of and of our brother, Father Bill Atkinson, and now we Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. wish to introduce the person and witness of Father Bill more extensively through these pages. PRIOR PROVINCIAL I am grateful to Teddie Gallagher for the profile on his life which she has researched and now Michael H. Bielecki, O.S.A. presents here. SECRETARY As we continue to journey through the Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, we are Francis J. Horn, O.S.A. reminded of the invitation to accept and to share the great gift of mercy that is bequeathed to us. TREASURER The means to do so are many; the witness of members of our own Augustinian Family are not lacking, whether long ago or in our own day, as you will see. COUNSELORS In the months just past, as well as those soon to come, events in the lives of several of our Francis J. Doyle, O.S.A. brothers are occasions of celebration. Professions and ordinations are often the highpoints that Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A. FATHER BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A. mark advancement along the vocational path of religious life and ministry. We give thanks to God Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A. for the generous commitment which these events celebrate. Arthur P. Purcaro, O.S.A. SERVANT OF GOD Finally, we mark a sadder milestone in the passing of one of our brothers, whose service to the Luis A. Vera, O.S.A. Province, to the Order and to the Church will not go unnoticed, for his contribution illustrates well PROVINCIAL OFFICES BY: TEDDIE GALLAGHER the value of availability and generosity in the Augustinian tradition. Joanna Bowen DIRECTOR OF AUGUSTINIAN VOLUNTEERS Jorge L. Cleto, O.S.A. DIRECTOR OF HISPANIC VOCATIONS Wishing you happy reading and many blessings, On November 17, 2015, at 4:20 P.M., Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia introduced the question of the Cause of Bill John E. Deegan, O.S.A. DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE AND PEACE Atkinson, O.S.A., to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “William Atkinson’s Cause will be a beautiful one, because Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. Teddie Gallagher it would be a source of encouragement for people with this kind of accident in their life, this kind of disability, but also it reminds PRIOR PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS PROVINCE OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA us of the great generosity of his family and his [Augustinian] religious community; they were all called to holiness by their Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. special care for this man. I think he will fit very beautifully into the niche of the communion of saints as a very special patron.” DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS Assent of the assembly was requested by the president of the USCCB and it was unanimous. Gary N. McCloskey, O.S.A. DIRECTOR OF AUGUSTINIAN FRIENDS James C. McMaster The Augustinian presents a brief look at the were unstoppable and his spiritual life He was a beloved priest, teacher, coach, SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICER life of Father Atkinson to give insight into was extraordinary. His ordination to the chaplain, friend and brother to so many. John J. Sheridan, O.S.A. his spirit, his generosity and his patience. priesthood was truly a shared victory, How did he do it? In his own words: ARCHIVIST Left a quadriplegic for 41 years after a tragic a triumph of a cross suffered and carried “Day after day, help of others Madonna Sutter toboggan accident, Father Bill depended by Father Bill, his family, the Augustinian DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT along the way, valued friends, sisters, on others for morning and evening care community and so many friends, to see him and for his meals. But once he was in his ordained that day and become a priest for brothers, I simply borrowed - the electric wheelchair his energy and personality eternity. And now, perhaps, a saint. strength of others”

2 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 3 BILL ATKINSON’S FRESHMAN PHOTO BILL SERVED AT MASSES AT SAINT ALICE AND LATER AT BONNER. BILL AND HIS PARENTS ON A VISITING DAY AT THE NOVITIATE AERIAL VIEW OF GOOD COUNSEL NOVITIATE

William Edward Atkinson, O.S.A. In 1959, Bill began his freshman year That said, a snowstorm had come through was born on January 4, 1946, to Mary as a student at Monsignor Bonner High the area and the fresh, deep and wind- Connelly Atkinson and Allen Joseph School for boys staffed by the Order of whipped snows on the hills around the Atkinson and baptized at Saint Alice’s Saint Augustine of the Province of Saint novitiate needed to be plowed and shoveled church, Upper Darby, Pa., on January 27, Thomas of Villanova. Known to family before the novices could choose what to do. 1946. The third of seven children, the and friends as “Willy” and Bill to others, Many of the novices, including Bill, chose family lived at 409 Sansom Street, Upper he was an extremely skilled athlete who to climb into a toboggan and head through Darby, Pa. He attended Saint Alice’s played baseball all four years at Bonner a tree-cleared half-mile toboggan course Grammar School and received his first and intramural sports for the same four that cut around a 90 degree turn before it NOVITIATE LIFE ON THE GROUNDS OF NEW HAMBURG, MONSIGNOR BONNER sacraments at the parish. years. Beginning in his freshman year, he descended the property for an exhilarating CIRCA 1959 and a group of his friends volunteered ride toward the Hudson. It is here that Bill, DRAWING BY H.T. MACNEILL ‘48 for the St. Edmond’s Home for Children, “Bill will never be accused of rushing at the front of the first toboggan down the an archdiocesan home for the care and into a serious decision without The next stop on Bill’s journey was Our hill, took the brunt of the force when the treatment of children with severe mental ample and proper thought and Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate at New toboggan veered off the 90-degree turn and physical limitations. consideration. So, while the news that Hamburg, New York, established in 1925 and slammed into a tree. No one else in the in a remote hilly area north of West Point, toboggan was injured, but 19-year-old Bill Father Melton, O.S.A. wrote this he wanted to become an Augustinian on the Hudson River. He arrived there on Atkinson sat, conscious, but unable to move reflection on Bill at Bonner: came as no surprise, he had that great charm of making the actual September 10, 1964, with a new class of 45 on the shredded remains of a toboggan, “Bill can be described as the tall, announcement a surprising relief.” novices, ages 16 to 32, including many who with 45 minutes of unplowed roads would be faithful friends and care-givers. between him and Saint Francis Hospital blond, quiet kid with an easy smile and — John H. Melton, O.S.A., teacher and This was the first novitiate class after the in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Amid freezing a usually carefree spirit. His interests guidance counselor at Monsignor Bonner SHOVELING SNOW AT THE NOVITIATE, CIRCA 1930 Vatican II changes were implemented, with temperatures, with snow blowing fiercely were varied, but baseball was favored High School for 32 years. the Office prayers now in English and the up from the Hudson, another toboggan among his many athletic talents... altar facing the congregation. Vatican II was put under Bill and he was carried on it THE ATKINSONS IN 1955. SITTING ON THE SOFA: Much free time on Saturdays and changed many things, but it did not change to the back of a station wagon. Father Bill ALLEN ATKINSON HOLDING ED, JOAN ALICE, ALLEN, MARY CONNELLY ATKINSON, HOLDING PATTY (ED’S Sundays throughout his high school In the spring of his senior year, Bill the structure of the novitiate year, with a was having trouble breathing during the car TWIN SISTER); ON THE FLOOR, BILL (WILLY), BETTY years was spent at St. Edmond’s Home announced that he had made up his mind strict cloistered life of prayer, reflection, ride but the group got him to the hospital. AND MARY (ALSO TWINS) for Crippled Children. Bill and many to enter the Augustinian Order. Because study and chores guided by Novice Master, No one who was in the car remembers of his closest friends were the most he had not studied Latin or Greek, the Father William J. Krupa, O.S.A., Sub how they made it through the snow to the Father Bill’s younger brother Ed, 17-year old entered the minor seminary at Master, Thomas J. Dillon, O.S.A. and Prior, hospital. And, since they hadn’t been out active members of a club organized describes his brother growing up: Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, for Henry A. Caffrey, O.S.A. beyond the confines of the Novitiate, they to make life brighter for the children “My memories of Bill are not a lot, a post-graduate year, where it is said he The novices were secluded in the don’t know how they even knew how to get because he was never home. He had his and the overworked sisters. He and learned more football than Latin or Greek. novitiate for Christmas and New Year’s, but to the hospital. BROTHER BILL WITH FRIARS AT THE NOVITIATE, group of guys and they played ball all day. others would go home many days and Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1965, CHRISTMAS 1964 He came home, ate, did what he had evenings bruised and exhausted from was a free day, when one could choose to do and went back out and played ball.” an afternoon with the kids.” activities inside or out on the grounds.

4 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 5 The doctors were at a loss to explain his survival in terms of medicine and medical science alone.

“The kindest way I can tell you is During the next few days, Bill was able to health and high spirits that touched and to be brief, cruel and to the point. Your receive communion and take food orally. On amazed the hospital personnel. This twenty son is gravely ill and if he recovers March 1st, Father Krupa was summoned to year old would never walk, dress or care for he will never move again from the neck the hospital because Bill had suddenly taken himself again and he would never again a turn for the worse as congestion settled in have the body of an athlete. But his athletic down. Bill’s life and future are in the his lungs. He was thought to be very near mind and his searching soul made him soar hands of God.” death. Father James A. Donnellon, O.S.A., as a person with a dream and a mission. — Dr. Weiss speaking to Bill’s mother, father and the Prior Provincial of the Province had His determination, skill, wit and patience

Father Melton on February 23, 1965. arrived to visit Bill and his parents. BROTHER BILL AND HIS MOTHER AT MAGEE would become the signature trademark of MEMORIAL REHABILITATION CENTER, AUGUST, 1965 this friar, priest, son, brother, uncle, cousin, © VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY March 1, 1965...Brother William friend and teacher. Also in September, Brother Bill began E. Atkinson, O.S.A. The Constitutions “I should like to note that in the his undergraduate studies at Villanova of the Order of Saint Augustine have a many hours I spent beside his University, Villanova, Pa., taking ten credits provision for temporary vows to be granted hospital bed he never uttered a in his first semester. He took a leave of when there is danger of death. Given the single word of complaint or self- absence for a year in 1969 to redo his gravity of Bill’s condition, Father Krupa pity, even during times when he was BROTHER BILL AT MAGEE IN 1966 WITH GEAR THAT ALLOWED HIM TO USE AN ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER. novitiate year, which he was permitted asked Bill if he wished to pronounce his obviously in great pain or discomfort PHOTO TAKEN BY THE SUNDAY BULLETIN to do at Saint Mary’s (instead of New temporary vows in the Order; Bill gave from breathing difficulties and from Hamburg), resuming classes in the fall of In critical condition, Bill’s life drifted a positive response that he did, and also six weeks of traction during which 1970, graduating in September of 1974. near death, as his shattered spine affected realized that he was in danger of death at frightful bed sores developed on his “Everybody (at Magee Rehabilitation his ability to control the areas below his the time. He repeated the words of a brief shoulders, back of the head and Hospital) was very kind to him, “I was trying to remember what neck, including his breathing. Father profession formula, whispering afterwards lower back.” a fact that began to bother Atkinson... SAINT MARY’S HALL decorated the walls of Bill’s room in Krupa stayed with Bill overnight and the that he was happy in the knowledge that — File note written by William J. Krupa, all he was doing was taking...gradually the Monastery. All I could remember next morning said Mass with Bill’s parents he now had vows. For the next four days, O.S.A., Master of Novices at the time Bill he started to accept the services of “When (Bill) came here I didn’t were pictures of his family — those and Father Melton who had arrived to be Brother Bill remained in critical condition. left the novitiate. know what to expect from him...all whom he loved so dearly. No plaques, with Bill. An operation on his spine was He contracted pneumonia, with high fevers people with the idea he would somehow I can say, from the way he has come performed on February 23, at 3:30 P.M., by and ceased breathing on several occasions. return the favors, that he would no honors, just his diploma from back, is that he must have a job to neurologist Dr. Weiss to relieve the “bone His mother and father remained at his side On April 5, 1965, Brother Bill was driven somehow be useful again. ‘From that Villanova University — not the honorary do somewhere in the world.” locking” and free up the blood supply to his and are said to have been heroic examples by ambulance from Poughkeepsie to Magee time on, I began to put my life back doctorate, but the one he had earned brain. The doctor was not hopeful of Bill’s of faith and trust in the will of God. Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., for together again,’ he said.” — Dr. Frazer Parry, Director of through much toil and effort. He went recovery of movement. On February 24, It is said that when he was most critical, possible rehabilitation therapy. At the time Philadelphia’s Magee Memorial Hospital, to the classes, did the readings, typed —Catholic Twin Circle, February 1974 from an article published in the Inquirer, Father Krupa said the with him and his mother stood by him, saying “breathe he left St. Francis Hospital, it was noted the papers and tests. He was proud noted Bill was clear-headed but unable to Bill, breathe.” written just after Father Bill was released. that he was in excellent spirits, although of that achievement, and rightfully so.” talk because of the tracheotomy. Back at the Novitiate the friars and completely paralyzed from the neck down, The article in the Catholic Twin Circle novices had been saying a public Novena and was able to talk and eat quite well. also noted cards and letters from all points —Father Francis J. Horn, O.S.A., homilist at to Blessed John Neumann for Brother While at Magee he underwent surgery drifted into the hospital, and Atkinson In September 1966, 18 months after Father Bill’s funeral Mass. “He is in a lot of pain, but very Bill’s recovery. On the morning of March to strengthen his neck. The doctors agreed said they helped to keep his spirits up. he came to Magee hospital, Brother Bill consciously suffering in union with 5th, the Novena ended with Brother Bill he would never move at all, and so were Although he had not yet attended Villanova returned to his life as an Augustinian Christ’s suffering on the cross. still in critical condition with a very high amazed when he could shrug his shoulders University, he said a lot of the mail came seminarian, living within the Augustinian If you have a story about He frequently asks to hear the words fever. By nightfall the report came that his and move his arms from side to side... from many of the students and faculty at community at Saint Mary’s Hall, a new Father Bill, share it with us at: of St. Paul on the meaning of suffering temperature was normal, his breathing, which eventually allowed him to operate a the Augustinian-founded school. seminary built on Route 320 across Father Bill’s Cause and pains to be borne for the love although still assisted by a respirator, was motorized wheelchair. As he progressed, Brother Bill spent from Villanova’s campus. Some of the Provincial Offices of Christ. He especially wants to good and very rhythmic, he was able to eat On Christmas 1965, Brother Bill visited weekends at home with his parents and seminarians living at Saint Mary’s had been P.O. Box 340 Villanova, PA, 19085 repeat the words: ‘With Christ I am and was clearheaded. The doctors were his classmates and friars at Saint Mary’s youngest siblings, Patty and Ed. temporarily living at Magee Memorial at a loss to explain his survival in terms of Hall at Villanova. Ninety-one friars joined Although Brother Bill’s physical progress Hospital to learn to care for Brother Bill or e-mail us at nailed to the cross...I live, now not I, medicine and medical science alone. him there that day, offering a community was characterized as “medically impossible” and many, many more friars would be [email protected] but Christ lives in me.’” —Father Krupa Christmas Mass in his name. or “miraculous,” it was his psychological trained to do so as the years passed.

6 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 7 “The priesthood is not a gift to be offered to an individual out of sympathy...Father Atkinson has no limitation and his contributions can not only equal, but can surpass any priest who is engaged in active ministry...thus he enters the priesthood even as Christ did, not to be served but to serve.”

—Remarks of John Cardinal Krol on the ordination of Father Bill, addressed to

FATHER BILL, PICTURED WITH ONE OF HIS EARLY VANS, WAS ALWAYS ON THE GO. HE HAD SEVERAL VANS OVER the assembly after Mass, before giving the THE YEARS. FOR THE EARLY MODELS HE NEEDED 2 OR 3 PEOPLE TO ASSIST HIM. LATER, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT REALLY Apostolic Blessing. SET HIM FREE, AS HE COULD GO PLACES WITH ONLY ONE PERSON DRIVING.

“With the life of this extraordinary young man in view, my Council On February 2, 1974, William E. Atkinson became the first known and I therefore humbly beg you, Most Holy Father, to carefully consider quadriplegic to be ordained to the the case of William E. Atkinson, O.S.A., with a view toward priesthood. Nine hundred people attended the Mass, with twelve Augustinians his Ordination.” concelebrating with John Cardinal Krol. One person who was not there was Father — Father Harry A. Cassel, O.S.A., Bill’s mother, Mary Connelly Atkinson, Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova who passed away shortly after attending his THE ORDINATION ordination to the diaconate in October of 1973. Asked to comment to local reporters OF FATHER BILL It is believed that Bill Atkinson is the first he has found time to teach a weekly CCD about the impact this loss would have on ATKINSON, O.S.A. quadriplegic to be ordained. This required (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) his ordination, Bill replied “I don’t know, a formal petition from the Prior Provincial class at a local parish, to correspond with you might say that she’ll have the best seat of the Province and his Council to the many other paralyzed persons through in the house.” Pope to override the Canon Law (1917 the use of an electric typewriter...He has It’s hard to imagine the joy of Father Code Canon 984, n.2 [the irregularity ex led three retreats for three separate classes Bill, the Augustinians, his family and the defectu from bodily defect]), demonstrating at Monsignor Bonner High School in community as he was ordained, for it was his life, development, health and abilities Philadelphia. On several occasions truly a shared victory, a triumph of a cross for the Holy Father to decide upon Bill he has been a guest lecturer at Villanova. suffered and carried by so many to see him Atkinson’s suitability for Holy Orders. He supervises sports activities at a become a priest that day and for eternity. Here’s an excerpt from Father Cassel’s June local parish on weekends...In fact, the

1973 petition for Ordination, “The Case of various local chapters which have COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: William E. Atkinson, O.S.A.” considered his case have been extremely BILL, HIS BROTHER AL AND HIS MOTHER, MARY AT praiseworthy of his spiritual, religious HIS DIACONATE ORDINATION, OCTOBER 1973; BISHOP JAMES W. MALONE, OF THE DIOCESE OF “During his time at Saint Mary’s Hall, he and fraternal development.” YOUNGSTOWN OHIO, ORDAINS BILL TO THE DIACONATE; found time and interest each year to coach JOHN CARDINAL KROL AT THE ORDINATION OF BILL ATKINSON; CARDINAL KROL SPEAKS WITH BILL an intramural football team and intramural In August 8, 1973, a Western Union ATKINSON BEFORE HIS ORDINATION; CARDINAL KROL baseball team, to be elected chairman Telegram came with the simple words: WITH BILL AND HIS BROTHER AL; THE EXTERIOR OF SAINT ALICE CHURCH, WHERE THE ORDINATION of the entire “Sports Committee” of the “Atkinson dispensation granted.” TOOK PLACE; GROUP PHOTO OF CARDINAL KROL AND Seminary...he worked a full day a week AUGUSTINIAN FRIARS, LEFT TO RIGHT, JAMES FLYNN, O.S.A., VINCE HAGAN,O.S.A., FRANK REILLY, O.S.A., at Valley Forge Army Hospital with the JOHN H. MELTON, O.S.A., WILLIAM DONNELLY, O.S.A., young soldiers paralyzed in the Vietnam JOHN CARDINAL KROL, WILLIAM MAHONEY, O.S.A., HARRY CASSEL, O.S.A. (PRIOR PROVINCIAL), War. He was able to do this work without ROBERT TERRANOVA, O.S.A., AND JOHN STACK, O.S.A., any assistance, other than being driven AND FATHER BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A.; FATHER BILL ATKINSON SMILES UP AT HIS FATHER ALLEN; to and from the hospital. He was able CARDINAL KROL ORDAINS BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A.; to travel throughout the hospital on his CENTER: THE SCENE FROM THE CHURCH. own because of his motorized wheelchair. ORDINATION PHOTOS ARE USED WITH PERMISSION During this time and up to the present, OF PAHRC FROM THE ROBERT AND THERESA HALVEY PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION.

8 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 9 “All of you are drawn here today by one single element, and that element is “He had a great deal of energy for not me, but the love you have shown extracurricular activities that had a me…that love comes from God and it lot, lot, lot of interaction with the is a love that renews people, kids. Like a kid himself, he came a love that transforms people and, alive when the final bell rang.” ultimately a love that unifies people.” ­— John T. Denny, O.S.A., former — Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A.’s sermon president of Bonner, friend and caregiver from his first Mass. for Father Bill.

ALLAN D. FITZGERALD, O.S.A, FRANK REILLY, O.S.A. AND DONALD F. REILLY, O.S.A., (RIGHT) PHOTO WITH PRENDIE GIRLS APPEARED IN THE 1980 BONNER YEARBOOK WITH A DEDICATION CONCELEBRATE FATHER BILL’S MASS OF THANKSGIVING. “...WHO LOOKS FOR THE BEST IN OTHERS AND GIVES THEM THE BEST HE HAS.”

ON FEBRUARY 3, 1974, A MASS OF THANKSGIVING WAS CONCELEBRATED AT THE VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY FIELD HOUSE. THE TONE OF THE MASS AND THE MUSIC WAS MUCH MORE RELAXED THAN THE ORDINATION MASS THE DAY BEFORE. MUSIC SELECTIONS REFLECTED THE VIETNAM WAR YEARS, WITH MANY CONTEMPORARY, PRE-LITURGICAL-MUSIC-RULES CONTEMPORARY SELECTIONS, INCLUDING JOHN LENNON’S, “GIVE PEACE A CHANCE;” AND THE EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS’ VERSION OF “O HAPPY DAY.”

campus of Bonner. The care of Father team, greeting the boys as they came learning. He saw through student behavior Bill transferred to the friars who lived at and left the school, talking to the Prendie that might look like poor behavior, such the friary and for many years it was just girls who passed by on their way home, as difficulty taking notes or completing the friars, Bill’s brothers, a few friends attending all of the Bonner Sports games homework, especially for those seniors and family who physically cared for him. as well as both Bonner and Prendergast who had become experts at masking their Later, as the number of friars diminished plays and musicals, Father Bill was there frustration with learning problems. at the school, more friends, volunteers and and involved. He was given permission to designate students stepped in to assist. This would be He was drawn to and very interested in any lay person at all to assist him in holding the case for the nearly 30 years that Father seniors in the school’s Drexel Program the host or the chalice during Mass or worked at Monsignor Bonner. for students who have learning differences, annointing the sick. He empowered legions Whether it was teaching four Theology who don’t follow the norm in terms of of kids, particularly kids from the football “In my opinion he was the heart classes a day, running weekday and learning. He found it powerful for him team, for whom this became one of their and soul of the school. He gave us Saturday “J.U.G.” (Justice Under God a.k.a., to try to get these kids to turn themselves most cherished memories. a reason to love where we were. detention), being moderator of the football around and become more successful at He was a confessor of renown and FATHER BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A., IN LAS VEGAS TO RECEIVE THE 1977 U.S. JAYCEES OUTSTANDING YOUNG MAN AWARD. He was available to old and young, people would come and seek him out, FATHER BILL WAS ACCOMPANIED BY FATHER FRANCIS HORN, O.S.A. ALSO PICTURED: FELLOW HONOREE His heart and his mission was knocking on his door. WAYNE NEWTON AND HIS WIFE. at Bonner. He presided at baptisms, weddings and funerals, mostly as a concelebrant, but as —Grace Kane, English Teacher at Bonner the main celebrant for his father “Pop” and other family members. He was a regular In June of 1974, Father Bill Atkinson concelebrant at funerals for Augustinians received faculties for teaching at and parents of Bonner students. Monsignor Bonner High School for Boys, He was welcoming to new teachers a Philadelphia Archdiocesan high school and there for them as a trusted colleague, in Drexel Hill, Pa., staffed by Augustinian a source of advice and a confessor. He Friars since its beginning in 1953. The had a way of making people forget that school was situated on the same campus he couldn’t do most anything for himself. with Archbishop Prendergast High School He was known for his sense of humor, for Girls. his penchant to play practical jokes on Father Bill started teaching there in colleagues and writing a poem each year, 1975, but was still living at a formation setting it to music, to “roast” them, so house at Villanova University. “It’s time much so that when a teacher would do to move on,” read Father Bill’s request for something funny or good, people would say, a transfer to Saint Joseph Friary on the “That’s going to be in the poem!” FATHER BILL’S SISTER PATTY HOLDS HER SON SCOTTY FATHER JOHN DENNY, O.S.A. AND FATHER BILL ATTEND AS HE IS BAPTIZED BY FATHER BILL, WITH GODMOTHER BONNER’S GRADUATION. FATHER BILL AT BONNER JOAN ALICE LOOKING ON.

10 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 11 THE STRENGTH OF OTHERS “Taught me to Live, not just to Cope with their Love they gave me Hope”

FROM A POEM BY FATHER BILL ATKINSON, O.S.A.

On Saturdays, 50-75 people would he’s in the sunbeam by the window sound Many friars who have been stationed in On the afternoon of September 15, pack into the shore house where Father asleep. One of the kids says to me ‘Shhh, one place and have been asked to move 2006, Father William E. Atkinson passed Bill celebrated Mass. Here and at home Father’s sleepin.’ Not a sound. 28 kids and experience painful emotions and Father Bill away with family, friars and friends at Father could be found watching sports, not a sound! If he had been awake, there was no different. He went through all the his side. Father was in serious and critical playing cards, watching Jeopardy, working would have been a lot of sound. He would rituals of the end of the year, along with a condition in the morning, but this had cryptograms and crossword puzzles. He have been telling this one to sit down, this party for him and graduation. He seemed happened before and he pulled out of it. amazed people by solving intricate jigsaw one to stay quiet, but not today. I stepped fine and was looking forward to working However, this day seemed different to the puzzles by telling the person who worked out of the room and I got teary-eyed... with Villanova students, but fell sick the family who started to worry that this would A PARTY STAPLE: THE SING-ALONG with him exactly where to place the pieces. I thought wow, it’s so much more important day after graduation and was critical in the be a day where he would not recover.

DRAWING BY M. TALESE He was an avid reader, he loved music than what’s in that text book...they’ve hospital for next three months. And so it was that day. and had his own way of dancing in his learned Christian charity, keeping an eye Father was well enough to come home to His funeral liturgy was celebrated on “He wasn’t just a good man. He wheelchair. He wrote poems and played on him.” the monastery, but was unable to take on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Saint was heroic and virtuous...but he chess games long distance with friends. the position at Campus Ministry. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova Pa. came across as just another guy you Father’s health was always an issue over and he was buried the following morning wanted to play cards with.” the years, as he would have bouts with bed in the Augustinian section of Calvary —Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A., a family sores and breathing issues. When he was Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa. friend of Father Bill’s nephew, who met healthy he was at full steam. In his later “Uncle Bill” when he was a teenager years at Bonner, as he approached the SATURDAY MASS AT THE SHORE during summers at Ocean City. age of 60, his stamina was less than it had been, but he was still capable of teaching a limited class schedule and attending to all Father Bill was a summer guy who loved of his beloved extracurricular activities. the Jersey shore and spent summers at his In his final years he lost some of that parents’ shore home in Ocean City, N.J. energy – he could get really tired. Although he couldn’t go on the beach, Father Denny tells one story of his later We encourage you to go online to SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA MONASTERY he would sit on the boardwalk for hours, years. “Bill always enjoyed the slower “It’s hard, now that he’s gone, to become a member of the soaking in the sun or sitting in a nearby section of seniors, the section that within fatherbillatkinsonguild.org. find the right words to celebrate pavilion. Over the years he became a a year most were on probation. He always In 2004, Father Bill Atkinson received his life: hero, legend, extraordinary. If you are willing to share photos welcome encounter for friends, relatives wanted one of those sections. I would an Obedience directive from the Provincial Knowing Bill he would want or video footage of Father Bill, and strangers who would stop and converse always make a point of walking past his Office to move to the newly renovated please contact Father Bill’s Cause: something simple. Priest pretty with him on their way to the beach. room every day. Father loved the sun and Health Center at Saint Thomas of much says it all.” Augustinian Provincial Offices Sometimes he would hear confessions in he loved to sit in the sunbeams in a room. Villanova Monastery and to report to work P.O. Box 340 the pavilion or catch up with folks who On this particular day, I’m approaching in Villanova University’s Campus Ministry —Mark Purcell, West Chester, taken from Villanova, PA 19085 a message left on the funeral home site. would see him there each year, some who his classroom and I hear not a sound. I Office. A beautiful Center, it provided or e-mail us at were dating, then married and then would actually thought I’d find no one was in the expert staff and everything Father Bill [email protected] FAMILY PHOTO ON THE BEACH, JULY 4, 2000. TOP ROW: MARY, AL, POP, ED, JOAN ALICE. BOTTOM ROW: PATTY, bring their kids. room. As I get to the room, there he is, needed to get through the day and night. FATHER BILL AND BETTY

12 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 13 THE “The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, EXTRAORDINARY because it represents the journey each of us makes in this life. JUBILEE Similarly, to reach the Holy Door in Rome or in any other place in the world, YEAR of MERCY everyone, each according to his or her ability, will have to make a pilgrimage. May pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion: by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with BY TEDDIE GALLAGHER others as the Father has been with us.” Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS OPENS THE HOLY DOOR OF SAINT PETER’S BASILICA IN ROME

On December 8, 2015, the Feast of the meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit: by “It is my burning Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis feeding, visiting, comforting and instructing them. desire that, during opened the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of On such things will we be judged. this Jubilee, the Mercy, which will end with the Solemnity “You gave us food for every seeding Christian people of Christ the King, November 20, 2016. plant that grows on earth, and every tree may reflect on the The pure joy with which Francis that bears fruit yielding seed (GN 1:29-30). corporal and spiritual proclaims this encounter of the church with These fruits of the earth symbolize and works of mercy. It its people and with Jesus is infectious. represent, in allegorical terms, the works will be a way to “The extraordinary year is itself a gift of mercy, produced by fertile soil to meet reawaken our of grace—to convert oneself and perform the needs of this present life...but how conscience, too works of mercy. This is the driving force disappointed he was over certain other often grown dull in the face of poverty. And of this Jubilee Year...let us allow God to trees which failed.” — Saint Augustine, let us enter more deeply into the heart of FATHER JOE GENITO, O.S.A. OPENS THE DOOR OF MERCY PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW ONCE INSIDE THE HOLY DOOR, FATHER JOE LEADS surprise us. He never tires of casting open Confessions 13: 25, 38 the Gospel where the poor have a special AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAINT RITA FATHER JOE AND PASS THROUGH THE HOLY DOOR. PRAYERS TO BEGIN THE EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF MERCY the doors of his heart and of repeating The corporal and spiritual works of experience of God’s mercy. Jesus introduces that he loves us and wants to share his love mercy are actions we can perform that us to these works of mercy in his preaching HOLY DOORS Consequently, the Augustinian National of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica with us...From the heart of the Trinity, extend God’s compassion and mercy to so that we can know whether or not we are Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, is one in Rome. Walking through the door is from the depths of the mystery of God, the those in need. living as his disciples. Let us rediscover these The Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica of the five Shrines in the Philadelphia a ritual whereby worshippers receive a great river of mercy wells up and overflows corporal works of mercy.” ­— Pope Francis in Rome is only opened for Jubilee Years Archdiocese to be granted a Holy Door. plenary indulgence absolving them of the unceasingly. It is a spring that will never and has been closed since 2000, when the On December 16, 2015, the Holy Door temporal punishment due to sin if they run dry, no matter how many people draw last Jubilee Year closed. The idea of the at the Saint Rita Shrine Chapel beneath walk through the Door of Mercy, attend from it. Every time someone is in need, he Holy Door symbolically represents a special the main church was opened. The door is the sacrament of reconciliation, receive THE CORPORAL THE SPIRITUAL path of mercy available only while the or she can approach it, because the mercy WORKS OF MERCY WORKS OF MERCY not the main entrance to the chapel, but Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of God never ends. The profundity of the Jubilee is open. a rarely used door, in accordance with the of the Pope, and show mercy. are these kind acts by which we help our neighbors are acts of compassion by which we help our mystery surrounding it is as inexhaustible as Unlike previous Jubilee Years, Pope directive that the Holy Door be an optional with their material and physical needs. neighbors with their emotional and spiritual needs. Francis has made Holy Doors available in the richness which springs up from it.” entrance. Father Joe Genito, O.S.A., Pastor cities all over the world, to give the faithful and Shrine Director says “The idea is You are invited to make a pilgrimage to Feed the hungry Counsel the doubtful every opportunity to pass through the door that people choose to walk through the the Holy Door at the National Shrine of WORKS OF MERCY Give drink to the thirsty Instruct the ignorant and access a spiritual indulgence. Holy door; they don’t have to use it to access Saint Rita of Cascia, Philadelphia, Pa. “Merciful like the Father” Clothe the naked Admonish sinners Doors in the Philadelphia area are located the building or chapel. We have decorated In his address for Lent, 2016, Pope Shelter the homeless Comfort the afflicted at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & the Holy Door with large poster pictures Go to WWW.SAINTRITASHRINE.ORG Francis said of the corporal and spiritual Visit the sick Forgive offenses Paul and Shrines within the Archdiocese. of Saint Rita (patroness of forgiveness for more information. works of mercy: These works remind us that Visit the imprisoned Bear wrongs patiently and reconciliation) and Saint Augustine faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions Bury the dead Pray for the living and the dead (model of conversion), along with pictures

14 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 SHRINE PHOTOS COURTESY OF FATHER DAN MCLAUGHLIN, O.S.A. THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 15 Augustinian Saints and These are among Augustinian Saints and Blesseds who performed “Our prayer also extends to the saints and blessed ones Blesseds of Mercy spiritual or corporal works of mercy who made divine mercy their mission in life.” and serve as fine examples to us. PRAY FOR US! Pope Francis

Saint Rita of Cascia Saint Saint Magdalene of Nagasaki Blessed Stephen Bellesini Saint Thomas of Villanova Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce

Rita of Cascia bears witness to the act of Nicholas of Tolentino was a devoted Magdalene of Nagasaki was a stalwart Stephen Bellesini was a benefactor to Thomas of Villanova, a Spanish saint Maria Teresa Fasce was a woman forgiving offenses and bearing the wrongs practitioner of prayer for the faithful example of a committed Christian, the poor and an excellent corporal and of the 16th century and the inspiration for devoted to Saint Rita of Cascia. As an she suffered with patience and trust in God. departed. He is reputed to have seen a spreading the faith by word and deed. Born spiritual caregiver, to both novices and this Province’s name, was known as “The active youth in her parish, she instructed When her husband, Paolo, was murdered vision of an Augustinian friar he knew, in 1611 near Nagasaki, Magdalene devoted parishioners under his care. His religious Father of the Poor.” Born into a family children in the catechism. Like Rita of due to a family rivalry, Rita was left with lamenting his time in purgatory, urging herself to spreading the Gospel of Jesus house was suppressed and in 1810, he was of means, he earned a Master’s degree at Cascia, Maria Giovanna asked to be two young sons. While social pressures Nicholas to say Mass for him and to pray Christ. Magdalene was an Augustinian forced from his monastery and religious the University of Alcala and taught there. admitted to the convent at Cascia and was decreed that her sons avenge Paolo’s death, for all souls in purgatory. Nicholas earned tertiary who taught catechism to the life. Employed as a teacher, he displayed In time, he was offered a position at the denied, until her Augustinian confessor, Rita expressed forgiveness and prayed that the title “ of the Souls in young, sought alms for the poor, and who great success in educating and caring for prestigious University of Salamanca, Father Mariano Ferriello, petitioned on her her sons would not seek revenge, prayers Purgatory,” conferred by Pope Leo XIII. stood in support and encouragement of poor children in Trent, and was appointed where the Augustinians had a monastery. behalf. She was finally admitted in 1906. that were answered. After losing both sons The latter part of Nicholas’ life was spent her fellow Japanese Christians, as they as Superintendent of Schools. He resigned Instead of taking the teaching position, In 1920, she was elected abbess, a position in death, with no family, she sought to in Tolentino, , where he was a noted were being persecuted for their faith. eventually, making his way to Rome to he entered the monastery there. Emperor to which she was re-elected nine times. be admitted to the convent of Augustinian confessor and ministered among the poor, Faced with torture, she saw many of her resume his life as a friar and served the Charles V nominated him to the See of She accomplished great things, building at Cascia. Her initial requests and the sick and infirm. He was known fellow Christians renounce their faith. Order of Saint Augustine as master of Valencia; in his capacity as Bishop, an orphanage for girls, providing for their were denied. She forged a signed peace in his monastery for his compassion She surrendered herself to anti-Christian novices in several houses. In the last years Thomas founded a seminary, established corporal as well as their spiritual needs. agreement between her husband’s family towards his religious brothers, as well as to authorities in September 1634. Within of his life, as pastor in Genazzano, he boarding schools, helped young women She spread devotion to Saint Rita with and supporters and those of his assassins. all those in need. Love of God and love a month, she was herself subjected to cared for the sick and dying of his parish, with marriage dowries and served orphans, a publication, and she was instrumental Persisting in her request to join the sisters, of neighbor were a hallmark of his ministry torture in the pit. After suffering torture concerning himself with their corporal as both educating and feeding them. Before in building a new church, where pilgrims she gained admittance and lived the rest as an Augustinian friar. Canonized by for thirteen days, Magdalene died; her well spiritual needs. Especially devoted to dying, he gave away all his possessions could come, around which a seminary, a of her life in prayer and Christian works of Pope Eugene IV in 1441, Nicholas was body burned and ashes scattered. She was the poor, the sick and dying, he himself to those in need. A prolific preacher, he hospital and a retreat house eventually rose. charity, tending to the sick and poor. the first member of the Order of Saint canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1989. became ill as he ministered to victims of an left hundreds of sermons. Thomas was She herself was continuously burdened Rita of Cascia was canonized in 1900 by Augustine to be canonized. epidemic. He was beatified by Pope Pius X canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1658. by physical ailments, yet despite her great Pope Leo XIII. in 1904. sufferings, she died peacefully in 1947 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1997.

16 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 17 NEWS AND NOTES

NEWS AND NOTES

FROM THE PROVINCE OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA AND THE AUGUSTINIAN ORDER DONALD F. REILLY, O.S.A., AND BERNADETTE KINNIRY, R.S.M., AWARDED SAINT RITA OF CASCIA PEACE AWARD

Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A., Receives Saint Rita Solemn Profession in Vicariate of Japan Peace Award with the Following their annual retreat, friars of the Vicariate of Japan celebrated the solemn profession of Brother John Futoshi Matsuo, O.S.A., on February 20, 2016. Pictured, Co-founder of Philadelphia’s Row 1: Brother Andrew Takashi Akakura, O.S.A.; Father Peter Francis Mitaru Toyama, BROTHER JOHN FUTOSHI MATSUO, O.S.A. (LEFT), Siloam Ministry O.S.A.; Brother John Futoshi Matsuo, O.S.A.; Father Thomas Hiroyuki Shibata, O.S.A.; MAKES HIS SOLEMN PROFESSION OF VOWS BEFORE Father Thomas Masaki Imada, O.S.A.; and Father Michael Hilden, O.S.A. THE SUPERIOR OF THE VICARIATE, FATHER THOMAS Father Donald Reilly, O.S.A., and Sister Father Peter Tetsuya Hirano, O.S.A.; Father Jesus M. Daño, O.S.A.; Father Francis HIROYUKI SHIBATA, O.S.A. Bernadette Kinniry, R.S.M., co-founders Row 2: Park Tae-Kyoung, O.S.A., (from the Delegation of Korea); Brother Francisco Salesio Yang of the Siloam ministry in Philadelphia, Ji-Hoon, O.S.A., (from the Delegation of Korea); Father Anthony Kiyotsugu Yamano, O.S.A.; which provides services for those either Father Charles B. Pomuceno, O.S.A.; and Brother Francis Masaya Ide, O.S.A. infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, received the 2016 Saint Rita Peace Award, given annually by the National Shrine ANNIVERSARIES 2016 of Saint Rita of Cascia, in Philadelphia. The award was presented at a banquet ANNIVERSARY OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION held in April 2016. ROW 1: DEACON CARLOS MEDINA, O.S.A.; DEACON RICHIE MERCADO, O.S.A.; ROBERT PREVOST, O.S.A., BISHOP OF CHICLAYO, PERU; MICHAEL DI GREGORIO, O.S.A., PRIOR PROVINCIAL, PROVINCE OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA; AND DEACON JOE MURRAY, O.S.A. ROW 2: KEVIN MULLINS, O.S.A., PRIOR PROVINCIAL, PROVINCE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE 50 YEARS (CALIFORNIA); BERNARD SCIANNA, O.S.A., PRIOR PROVINCIAL, PROVINCE OF OUR MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL Albert P. MacPherson, O.S.A. (MIDWEST); AND TONY PIZZO, O.S.A., PASTOR, SAINT RITA CHURCH, CHICAGO William F. Waters. O.S.A. Joseph Murray, O.S.A., Ordained to the Diaconate in Chicago Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A. Edward J. Enright, O.S.A. Brother Joseph Murray, O.S.A., of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova was Michael J. Hilden, O.S.A. ordained to the diaconate on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Saint Rita Church in Chicago, Francis X. Devlin, O.S.A. by Augustinian Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo, Perú. Brother Joe was ordained in a Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. bi-lingual liturgy together with Brother Carlos Medina of the California Province and Brother Richie Mercado of the Midwest Province. All three deacons will now complete 25 YEARS their theological studies and prepare for ordination to the priesthood later this year. Peter Francis Mitaru Toyama, O.S.A. Gathering of Augustinian Bishops in Rome Jorge A. Reyes, O.S.A. Coinciding with the closing of the special year dedicated to Consecrated Life, a meeting was Luis A. Vera, O.S.A. Icon of Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., held from February 1 to 3, in Rome, of 13 of the 19 Augustinian bishops who presently serve Stephen M. Curry, O.S.A. Written by Richard Cannuli, O.S.A. the Church. Pictured, Row 1: Bishop Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., (Uromi, Nigeria); Bishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A., The image used on the cover of this issue was Province of Saint Thomas’ (Chiclayo, Perú); Cardinal Prospero Grech, O.S.A.; Prior General, Alejandro Moral, O.S.A.; ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION taken from the new icon of the Servant of God, Facebook Page Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa, O.S.A., (Panamá); Bishop Mariano Moreno, O.S.A., (Emeritus Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., written by Father of Cafayate, Argentina); Bishop Julián García Centeno, O.S.A., (Emeritus of Iquitos, Perú). 50 YEARS Richard Cannuli, O.S.A. Father Richard, an The Province of Saint Thomas has a Row 2: Bishop Giovanni Scanavino, O.S.A., (Emeritus of Orvieto-Terni, Italy); Bishop John F. McAtee, O.S.A. artist and Professor in the Studio Art and Theatre Facebook page! You can keep up with Doménico Berni, O.S.A., (Chuquibambilla, Perú); Bishop Alberto Bochatey, O.S.A., (Auxiliary John F. Deary, O.S.A. Department at Villanova University, has written the happenings and read the latest news of La Plata, Argentina); Bishop Michael Campbell, O.S.A., (Lancaster, England); Bishop Manuel many icons, including Saint Augustine, and Sunday homilies there. Please like us Ochogavía, O.S.A., (Colón-Guna Yala, Panamá); Luis Marín de San Martín, O.S.A., Curia. 25 YEARS Blessed Stephen Bellesini and Saint Rita of Cascia. on Facebook by visiting our page at the Row 3: Bishop John Niyiring, O.S.A., (Kano, Nigeria); Patricio Villalba, O.S.A., Curia; James D. Paradis, O.S.A. To read more about Father Bill’s Cause, following link: Anthony Banks, O.S.A., Curia; Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A., (Chulucanas, Perú); Joseph Farrell, Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A.

and the Father Bill Atkinson Guild, please visit AUGUSTINIAN PROVINCE OF SAINT THOMAS O.S.A., Curia; Edward Daleng, O.S.A., Curia; Franz Klein, O.S.A., Curia; and John Flynn, HTTP://WWW.AUGUSTINIAN.ORG/THE-CAUSE OF VILLANOVA FACEBOOK PAGE O.S.A., Curia.

18 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 19 LOOKING AHEAD

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mark your calendars today for these upcoming special events.

Mid-Chapter of the Province The Augustinian Heritage Artifacts in the the Augustinian Order in context with collection include the development of the United States of of Saint Thomas of Villanova Room: Now Open On a priest’s stole, America. Other artifacts include the mitre Friars of the Province of Saint Thomas which had been and crozier of two Augustinians who served Weekdays 10:00 AM to of Villanova will hold a Mid-Chapter used in 1800 at as bishops: Thomas Galberry served in 3:00 PM! FRANCIS HORN, O.S.A., IS INTERVIEWED FOR THE NEWS BROADCAST BY FOX29 CORRESPONDENT CHRIS O’CONNELL at Villanova University from June 12, 2016, the first blessing Hartford, Connecticut and William Jones until June 17, 2016. The Augustinian Heritage Room, located of Saint Augustine served as the TV Newscast Focuses on Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. in Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Church in the city first bishop of on the campus of Villanova University, of Philadelphia, San Juan, Puerto WTXF, the FOX TV affiliate in Philadelphia, focused attention on Father Bill Atkinson Ordination to the Priesthood houses artifacts and documents that detail which was stolen Rico. Viewing and his Cause for Sainthood. FOX’s correspondent Chris O’Connell interviewed Father of Joseph A. Murray, O.S.A. the history of the Order of Saint Augustine “SISTER BELL” TO THE in 1844 when the timeline, the Francis Horn, O.S.A., for their local newscast. Father Bill was assigned to Monsignor Bonner LIBERTY BELL Following the Mid-Chapter, in the United States, beginning with the the Church was visitor can see High School for nearly 30 years, where he taught religion, served as chaplain at the school Brother Joe Murray, O.S.A., will be arrival of Augustinian Friar Matthew destroyed by fire during nativist riots, and the expansion of and moderator of the football team, among other duties. Father Horn was a member of ordained to the priesthood at the Carr from Ireland in April 1796. He returned twenty years later. Also among the Province to Father Bill’s care team while studying in the seminary and while serving at Monsignor Saint Thomas of Villanova Church immediately set out raising funds and was the items to be seen is the “Sister Bell” to other areas in the Bonner High School while Father Bill was assigned there. (campus) on Saturday, June 18, 2016, able to purchase land in July of that same the Liberty Bell. This bell, which hung in country, Chicago To view the video of the newscast, please visit: HTTP://WWW.FOX29.COM/NEWS/92296283-STORY at 10:00 A.M. year, and construction began on Saint the Pennsylvania statehouse (Independence MITRE OF WILLIAM JONES, in the Midwest, Augustine Church, the first foundation of Hall), was transferred to Saint Augustine O.S.A., FIRST BISHOP OF SAN and San Diego in JUAN, PUERTO RICO the Augustinians in the new, post-revolution Church by the city of Philadelphia, and the West, which Gary N. McCloskey, O.S.A., Tenth Anniversary Mass for United States. This “American Province,” hung in its steeple, until fire destroyed the led to the creation of new provinces; the Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. eventually became the Province of Saint church and damaged the bell in the riots. establishment of Merrimack College in Contributes Two Chapters to a Thomas of Villanova. The bell was saved, recast and moved to Massachusetts following World War II; and Book on Thomas Berry, C.P. September 15, 2016, marks the tenth Documents detail Carr’s arrival, the Villanova. From 1847 to 1917, it rang to the history surrounding the missions of this anniversary of the death of Father Bill In this book about Passionist establishment of a province, the expansion alert students to chapel services and classes. Province, starting with the first mission to Atkinson. A Mass will be celebrated priest Thomas Berry, an ecologist as land is purchased from the Rudolph Saint Augustine Church also housed one of Cuba, as well as taking on a mission in Japan. on September 15, 2016 in the Church and protégé of the Jesuit, Teilard estate, west of Philadelphia, which became the best theological libraries at the time and Visitors are welcome to tour the of Saint Thomas of Villanova (campus). de Chardin, edited by Elisabeth the Augustinian’s second foundation in books that were saved from fire are also Augustinian Heritage Room to learn Refreshments will be served following Ferrero, Father Gary N. McCloskey, the United States, Villanova. Part of part of the collection. about the history of the Augustinians in the Mass. O.S.A., has contributed two the collection is an ad that ran in the the United States and how their presence chapters (“Thomas Berry in Italy: Philadelphia Herald paper in 1844, developed and grew as the United States Relationship, Place and Story” and promoting a St. Thomas of Villanova grew and expanded. College, providing costs, payment terms, “Reflective Thinking about Place and programs offered, either “classical and as Part of a Curriculum for scientific, or purely merchantile.” Ecological Studies”). From Pacem The Augustinian Heritage Room is in Terris Press, the book is available open to individuals or small groups at Amazon. of 20 or less. Sunday Homilies Now on HOURS: Augustinian.org Website LIKE BOOKS SAVED FROM FIRE DURING RIOTS AT SAINT 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM AUGUSTINE CHURCH Monday through Friday Each week, a homily composed by a the Augustinian Fund A timeline of the growth and expansion Private tours may also be arranged. friar for the upcoming Sunday, including Stay on top of news and events on Facebook at of the Province, coupled with historical information about the Sunday readings, is references to developments in the United CONTACT INFO: posted to the homilies page on our website. from the Augustinian world— AUGUSTINIAN FUND States, located in the window wells, [email protected] To read these homilies, please visit our sign up for Augustinian E-News at along with images and posters on the or Fr. Dennis McGowan, O.S.A. webpage at the following link: PRIEST’S STOLE USED AT BLESSING OF SAINT www.augustinian.org/enews-signup AUGUSTINE CHURCH IN 1800. 610-519-7500 walls, place the presence and growth of HTTP://WWW.AUGUSTINIAN.ORG/HOMILIES

20 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 21 William J. Donnelly, O.S.A. student dormitory. In 2005, he reduced his KEEPING TRACK William J. teaching schedule from full time to part-time, Donnelly, O.S.A., but continued to help in campus ministry. In was received into the July 2015, Father Jim was assigned to Saint Order on September Nicholas of Tolentine Friary, Bronx, New York. KEEPING TRACK 9, 1960. Following his novitiate year he John F. McAtee, O.S.A. Following the vow of obedience, professed first vows John F. McAtee, friars find themselves called to on September 10, O.S.A., was received 1961. He earned a into the Order where they are needed. Each issue of BA from Villanova and went to Augustinian on September 9, The Augustinian hopes to connect College, receiving an MA in Theology. He 1957. Following his you with some familiar faces as we was ordained to the priesthood on September novitiate year, he 9, 1967. Father Bill’s first assignment was to professed first vows provide brief updates on friars serving Saint Augustine, Andover, Massachusetts. on September 10, throughout the Province. Watch here to He then served at Saint Laurence O’Toole, 1958. He received a track down that old classmate, pastor, Lawrence. In 1975, he was assigned to the BA from Villanova and attended Collegio Santa Augustinian Collegiate Seminary at Villanova. Monica in Rome for his theological education, chemistry teacher, chaplain, philosophy Following this, he served at Saint Nicholas and received the STL. He was ordained in IN PARADISUM professor, co-worker or friend. (Bronx) and then at Saint Nicholas (Jamaica). Rome on February 12, 1966. Returning to He also served the Province as Director of the States, Father Jack was first assigned to The following friar was called Strategic Planning, while assigned to Saint teach at Archbishop Carroll High School, home to God. Denis, Havertown, Pa. After a sabbatical, Washington, D.C. In 1967 he volunteered Stephen M. Curry, O.S.A. he returned to Saint Nicholas (Bronx). He for the mission in Japan, where he served at Stephen M. Curry, served on the Provincial Council from 2002 to parishes in Nagoya, Nagasaki, Tokyo, and on February 4, 1956, at the Shrine of the Province and was assigned to St. Thomas O.S.A., earned a BS 2010, when he was assigned to Saint Mary’s, Fukuoka. He was headmaster at the Sei Maria George P. Lawless, O.S.A. Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pa. from Villanova and Lawrence. He moved to Saint Augustine school in Nagasaki and at the kindergarten in BORN: 9/26/1930 by Bishop John McNamara. Father George was the author of many was received into Parish, Andover (2012), and ministered at Fukuoka. After 25 years in Japan, Father Jack FIRST PROFESSION: 9/10/1948 Father George was assigned to teach at articles and books, and gave many retreats, the Order on August Saint Michael Parish in North Andover. In returned to the United States and served in ORDAINED: 2/4/1956 Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, during conferences and workshops on Saint 21, 1990. Following 2015, he was assigned to Saint Elizabeth campus ministry at Villanova University. He DIED: 3/9/2016 the 1956-1957 academic year. He was Augustine, his Rule, and his writings. Always his novitiate year Seton Friary, Naples, Florida and appointed volunteered for the mission in South Africa George Patrick transferred in 1957 to Saint Mary’s Hall, an articulate speaker, he was known for he professed first parish Administrator. and served there from 2009 to 2014. In 2015, Lawless was born Villanova, and in 1958 became a member his skill for turning a phrase with flair and vows on August he was assigned to Saint Mary’s Parish Friary on September 26, of the Saint Thomas Monastery community elegance, and bringing humor, through 10, 1991. He went to Augustinian College in Waterford, New York. Father Jack is also a James L. MacDougall, O.S.A. 1930, in Chestnut there. He taught at Villanova University and his speech, into even the most scholarly for his theology studies, earning an MDiv certified acupressure practitioner since 1995 James L. Hill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the also studied at the University of Pennsylvania, discussions and conversations. from Washington Theological Union. He and a Tai Chi practitioner and teacher since 1997. MacDougall, O.S.A., son of George P. Lawless and Margaret J. where he received an MA in Classical Studies After an extended decline in health, also studied Spanish in Mexico and the was received into the McGinley, and one of five brothers and three (1963). In 1968 he was appointed to Our Father George Lawless passed over to the Dominican Republic. He was ordained TO CONTACT FATHER CURRY: Order on September sisters. He was baptized on October 5, 1930, Mother of Good Counsel Monastery and Lord on Wednesday afternoon, March to the priesthood at Saint Rita of Cascia Saint Rita of Cascia High School 9, 1950, and after at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Merrimack College, where he taught in the 9, 2016, in his room at Saint Thomas of Church, Philadelphia, on October 12, 1996. 7740 S. Western Avenue his novitiate year, he Chestnut Hill, and attended Our Mother of Religious Studies Department (1968-1975). Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pa., in his Father Steve’s first assignment was to teach Chicago, IL 60620-5867 professed first vows Consolation Parish School (1935-1943), During this time he attended Princeton eighty-fifth year and the sixty-eighth of at Malvern Preparatory School. He was next on September 10, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, Theological Seminary and received a ThM his religious profession. assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel, TO CONTACT FATHER DONNELLY: 1951. He earned a New York, as a postulant (1943-1947). in Ecumenics and Ethics. In 1975 he was Staten Island. He also did further studies Saint Elizabeth Seton BA from Villanova and attended Augustinian He was received into the Order as a novice named prior of Augustinian College. He was in Spanish in Argentina and Chile. His 5260 28th Avenue SW College for his theological studies. He was on September 9, 1947, and following his assigned briefly, in 1979, to Saint John of next assignment was teaching at Monsignor Naples, FL 34116 ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1959. formation at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Sahagun Friary, Washington, D.C., and, in Bonner High School. In 2009, he was In 1960, he received an MA in American Hamburg, New York, he professed simple 1980 to the Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, where assigned to Saint Augustine Preparatory TO CONTACT History from Villanova. Father Jim’s first vows on September 10, 1948. He then he taught at the Augustinianum, the Order’s School in New Jersey. After receiving his FATHER MACDOUGALL: assignment was as a teacher at Monsignor attended Villanova College, and received Patristic Institute (1980-2011). He received his doctoral degree (Ed. D.) in 2014, he held a Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Friary SHARE YOUR OWN REFLECTION Bonner High School. ln 1969, he went a BA in Philosophy (1952), having professed doctorate from the Angelicum, Rome (1985). teaching position at Villanova University. In 2345 University Avenue ON THIS FRIAR to Biscayne College (now Saint Thomas solemn vows on September 10, 1951. He also taught at the Angelicum as adjunct July 2015, he was assigned to Saint Rita High Bronx, NY 10468-6102 VISIT THE NECROLOGY PAGE AT WWW1.AUGUSTINIAN. University), in Miami, where he served until He went to Augustinian College, Washington, professor, and at the Gregorian University School in Chicago, Illinois, as Director of ORG/WHO-WE-ARE/OUR-HERITAGE/NECROLOGY 2015, residing at the friary, Casa San Lorenzo. D.C., for his theological studies (1952-1956), until 2005. In 2009, Father George received AND FILL OUT THE FORM. REFLECTIONS WILL BE Augustinian Mission. He served at the school as a teacher of History, TO CONTACT FATHER MCATEE: POSTED SOON AFTER RECEIVED. THANK YOU FOR Saint Mary of the Assumption Friary and, at the same time, studied at The a Doctorate in Augustinian Studies, honoris TAKING PART IN THIS INTERACTIVE NECROLOGY. Religious Studies and American Political Catholic University of America, where he causa, from Merrimack College, North Science; as campus minister; as chair of the 119 Broad Street Waterford, NY 12188-2397 received an MA in Latin and Greek. Father Andover, Massachusetts. In January 2012, due Social Sciences Division and as prefect in the George was ordained to the priesthood to declining health, he returned to his home

22 . THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 23 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT PROVINCE LAUNCHES Saint Thomas of Villanova LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY Leadership Giving Society

CALENDAR BY MADONNA SUTTER Giving Levels OF EVENTS DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SAVE THE DATE! When I think of leadership I think While creating strong leadership giving is quite important, I don’t want to discount Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Circle ($25,000+) of individuals who inspire and motivate the significance that gifts under $1,000 play A model of inspiration to this day, Saint Nicholas exemplifies the MAY 15, 2016 others. They think big, set a tone and to create a robust annual giving initiative. balance between Augustinian life and ministry: love of God and love Reception at Saint Augustine create a culture. Leaders often influence Parish, Andover, Mass., To that end, we have established The others by their character, humility of neighbor; prayer and good works; contemplation combined with following 11:30 A.M. Mass Saint Monica Loyalty Society, named in and example. honor of Saint Augustine’s mother, which generous service. AUGUST 19, 2016 recognizes donors who make gifts three The Province of Saint Thomas of Cascia Classic Golf Outing years consecutively under $1000. If you Villanova is pleased to announce a new 11:00 A.M. have given to the Province for two years leadership giving society—named in honor consecutively, you will receive an invitation Our Mother of Good Counsel Circle ($10,000-­$24,999) OCTOBER 16, 2016 of our patron, Saint Thomas of Villanova. to join this new loyalty society. If you’ve This society recognizes donors who provide Mary, mother of Jesus, is even more blessed for being his disciple. Saint Thomas of Villanova already given three years consecutively, you gifts of $1,000 or more in support of She represents a deep spiritual, constant truth as the first disciple of her Leadership and Saint will receive a letter welcoming you into the Augustinians. The members of The Augustine Legacy Societies this Society. son presenting him to us as our teacher, our way, our truth and our life. Saint Thomas of Villanova Leadership Mass and Brunch Please take a moment to think about SAINT THOMAS Society play a key role in creating a strong, how the Augustinians have influenced OF VILLANOVA LEADERSHIP Private tours of the Augustinian sustainable, annual source of revenue your life. Consider becoming an inaugural GIVING SOCIETY BENEFITS Heritage Room will be available. that will respond to meet the needs of the member of the Saint Thomas of Villanova Augustinians today and in the future. Leadership Society to inspire and motivate • The Augustinian Magazine NOVEMBER 2016 It is fitting that we name this society in others by your example. Think big, Saint Rita of Cascia Circle ($5,000­-$9,999) Cocktail Party honor of Saint Thomas of Villanova who set a tone and help us to create a culture Peacemaker and reconciler, Saint Rita of Cascia exemplifies faith and • Augustinian E­-News Overbrook Country Club was thoroughly Augustinian in his choice of leadership giving that will allow grace in the midst of life’s challenges. She reminds us that nothing is Villanova, Pa. of life, spirituality and in his ministry, the Augustinians to realize their vision for impossible with God. • Inside the Province especially as a bishop and leader of the the future. (Communication from the APRIL 2017 Church. He demonstrated the power Members of the Saint Thomas of Prior Provincial) New York City Cocktail Party of Augustinian leadership, reform and Villanova Leadership Society will be renewal and by his own example, became a invited to the Celebration of Mass followed • Special events hosted by the symbol of hope in the midst of a seemingly by brunch and a private tour of the Prior Provincial hopeless situation. Augustinian Heritage Room on Sunday Blessed Stephen Bellesini Circle ($2,500-­$4,999) October 16, 2016. An extraordinary example of fidelity, Blessed Stephen exemplified • Recognition in the Province’s perseverance in the midst of trials and generously spent himself in the Annual Report service of God’s people, especially the poor and the infirm. • An opportunity to support the friars’ way of life

• Remembrance in the daily For membership materials or Saint Thomas of Clare of Montefalco Circle ($1,000­-$2,499) Masses of the Augustinians more information, please Villanova Society Endowed with extraordinary gifts of grace, Saint Claire was admired contact Madonna Sutter, for her deep spiritual perception. She reminds us that holiness is the Director of Advancement, at Co-Chairs work of grace and not of human effort. (610) 527-3330, x265 or [email protected] FATHER MICHAEL P. CHRISTOPHER SOLTIS SULLIVAN, O.S.A. THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 24 THE AUGUSTINIAN . SPRING 2016 . 25 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 116 THE AUGUSTINIAN Broomall, PA 214 Ashwood Road Villanova, PA 19085-0340

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