Catholics from Delaware County, PA, are hopeful that Fr. Bill Atkinson may be beatified for his life of sacrifice and service. 

The paperwork was sent to the Vatican by Archbishop Perez after a ceremony was held at Villanova University, Fox29 reported. The cause is being sent to Pope Francis who will consider if he should proceed on the journey of beatification. 

"We proceed with the cause of beatification and canonization and servant of God, William Atkinson,” Archbishop Nelson Perez said, according to Fox 29.

Atkinson was the first quadriplegic priest to be ordained by the Roman Catholic Church. He was of the Augustininan Order. He became a quadriplegic during his first year at seminary, when while sledding he crashed into a tree and was paralyzed nearly completely from the neck down. 

He was ordained in 1974 at St. Alice’s in Upper Darby and celebrated his first Mass at Villanova University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Villanova. 

According to the Catholic Church, there are a number of steps required in order for an individual to be declared a saint. 

“Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life or offered their life," the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states. "To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate's intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or offering of life. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. The pope may waive these requirements."