Divine Mercy University (DMU) has announced the creation of the Bishop Loverde Scholarship Fund, a new initiative designed to support religious vocations and mental health education. The scholarship program aims to honor Bishop Paul S. Loverde's extensive legacy of service to the Catholic Church and his commitment to addressing mental health needs across dioceses in the United States.
Bishop Loverde, who served as the third bishop of the Arlington Diocese from 1999 to 2016, has been a long-standing board member of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, now known as Divine Mercy University. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized for his advocacy for human life, Catholic education, and promoting vocations to religious life.
The scholarship fund represents a strategic approach to addressing two critical needs within religious communities: supporting aspiring priests and religious professionals, and providing specialized mental health education. By targeting students who commit to serving their home dioceses, the program ensures a direct and meaningful impact on local Catholic communities.
DMU has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $500,000 by June 30th, 2026. The scholarship will specifically support priests and religious students who plan to serve in their home dioceses, with a particular focus on students who will work in the Diocese of Arlington.
As a graduate school specializing in psychology and counseling from a Catholic perspective, Divine Mercy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in clinical psychology and counseling. The institution's unique approach integrates scientific psychological research with Catholic understanding of human development and spiritual care.
The scholarship fund not only honors Bishop Loverde's contributions but also addresses the growing mental health challenges faced by religious communities. By supporting education and vocational training, DMU aims to cultivate a new generation of compassionate, professionally trained religious mental health professionals who can provide critical support in their respective communities.
