Divine Mercy University / Craig Spiering
CV NEWS FEED // Divine Mercy University (DMU) in Sterling, Virginia, has announced the creation of the Bishop Loverde Scholarship Fund, which is aimed at supporting seminarians, priests, and religious pursuing studies in mental health fields.
The fund honors Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde, who led the Diocese of Arlington from 1999 to 2016 and has served on the university’s board for 25 years, according to a May 15 news release from DMU.
The scholarship is designed to assist clergy and religious from around the country who plan to return to their dioceses or communities after graduation and lay students who commit to work in the Diocese of Arlington. DMU seeks to raise $500,000 for the scholarship fund by June 30, 2026.
Bishop Loverde, whom Pope John Paul II appointed, is known for his advocacy of Catholic education and vocations and his early recognition of growing mental health needs within the Church.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, who succeeded him in Arlington, described Bishop Loverde as “a steadfast advocate for the sacredness of all human life, an ardent supporter of Catholic education, and an active promoter of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.”
Currently, Bishop Loverde also serves on the boards of several other Catholic institutions, including Catholic Distance University, the Catholic University of America, Mount Saint Mary’s University, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the Commissariat of the Holy Land.
DMU, formerly the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, is a graduate school that integrates Catholic teaching with training in psychology and counseling. The university offers doctoral and master’s programs, including a certificate in spiritual direction.
