Divine Mercy University (DMU) has established the Bishop Loverde Scholarship Fund to honor the service of Bishop Paul S. Loverde and provide financial assistance to future religious vocations. The program aims to raise $500,000 by June 30th, 2026, specifically supporting priests and religious students who commit to serving their home dioceses and communities. Bishop Loverde served as the third bishop of the Arlington Diocese from 1999 to 2016, appointed by St. John Paul II, and was recognized for his advocacy for human life, support of Catholic education, and promotion of religious vocations.
Throughout his tenure, Bishop Loverde demonstrated significant awareness of the growing mental health challenges within religious communities. For 25 years, he has been actively involved with the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, now known as Divine Mercy University. His dedication to addressing psychological needs in religious contexts has influenced the university's mission to integrate scientific psychological research with Catholic understanding of human development. The scholarship fund will particularly benefit students planning to work in the Diocese of Arlington, continuing Bishop Loverde's legacy of supporting religious vocations and mental health awareness.
Divine Mercy University, an accredited graduate school of psychology and counseling, offers doctoral and master's degrees in clinical psychology, counseling, and related fields. The university's approach uniquely combines rigorous scientific training with a Catholic perspective on human psychology and interpersonal relationships. By establishing this fund, DMU not only honors Bishop Loverde's contributions but also addresses the practical financial barriers that can hinder religious vocations, especially as mental health support becomes increasingly crucial in religious service. The initiative reflects a growing recognition within Catholic institutions of the need to support both the spiritual and psychological well-being of religious leaders, ensuring they are equipped to serve their communities effectively.
