What do we mean by healing? It does not always imply a total cure or the disappearance of pain. nor of a deep wound. Sometimes it is a matter of accompanying, of listening with respect, of supporting someone in the midst of their inner struggle. What if this gesture were also a call, a concrete way of responding to the suffering of others based on faith, knowledge and compassion? Divine Mercy University, of the Regnum Christi International University Network, has been training professionals for 25 years who have made of this task a deeply human and spiritual vocation.
With 141 new graduates, Divine Mercy University celebrated its graduation ceremony last May 9, 2025 at the church St. John Neumann, in Reston, Virginia. In an atmosphere of gratitude and solemnity, the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Msgr. Michael F. Burbidge, presided over the misa and encouraged the new professionals to become «messengers of hope».
Recalling the words of Pope Francis at the inauguration of the Year Saint: «cith Jesus, joy flourishes; with Him, life changes for the better, and hope does not disappoint.», Msgr. Micahel Burbidge invited the graduates to embody that hope in every therapeutic encounter. «Be instruments of the Holy Spirit - said -transforming minds, hearts and souls through patience, compassion and love.».
The event marked not only the culmination of years of study, but also the beginning of a profoundly human mission: to accompany the pain of others and participate in the sacred act of healing.
Vocation, science and lasting joy
The keynote speaker at the ceremony, Dr. Arthur Brooks, received an honorary doctorate in Humanities. Harvard professor and author recognized worldwide for his work on human happiness, Dr. Arthur offered the graduates a simple but challenging formula for achieving true joy: making faith visible in daily work.
«We are called to sanctify our work stated Dr. Arthur Brooks -. Make your faith public, make it natural, make it magnetic. Thus you will begin a path of love, excellence and truth.». His words echoed the integral mission of Divine Mercy UniversityThe goal: to train professionals who heal not only with science, but also with humanity and transcendence.
The university also awarded the premio distinguished for egressed to Mother Mary Concepta Yates, S.V., Superior General of Sisters of Life, a religious community dedicated to the defense of the dignity of human life. Graduated from the Clinical Psychology program in 2015, the religious clearly expressed the essence of her mission:
«It is an honor, a gift, and also a shame to hear stories of pain. But it is a miracle to allow the Lord to work in that restoration. You have been called to a sacred work of transformation.».
Honoring a legacy, building the future
During the ceremony, the trajectory of those who laid the foundations for this educational project was also recognized. The awards were granted to Dr. Gladys Sweeney and Dr. William Nordling, The event was attended by the bishops who pioneered the founding of the Institute of Psychological Sciences (IPS), the origin of today's university. Also honored was Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde, for his tireless commitment to Catholic education, consecrated life and mental health.
To honor his legacy, Divine Mercy University announced the creation of a scholarship fund that will bear his name. This program will support priests and religious who are being trained at the university, with the commitment to later serve in their dioceses or in the dDiocese of Arlington.
Throughout its 25 years, the university has made its mark in the field of spiritually grounded professional healing. Since its founding as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, to its consolidation as a Divine Mercy University, The institution has cultivated an academic community in which science, ethics and faith go hand in hand.
Training with excellence and spirit
Divine Mercy University offers graduate programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Education and Supervision, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, and Spiritual Direction. All of its programs are accredited by the appropriate entities, including the American Psychological Association and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs.
In every classroom, behind every thesis, and in every clinical practicum session, there are seeks to form more than knowledge: the heart of the healer is formed. And that heart, when well formed, transforms the world from within each person.
Currently, the university is supported by the pastoral care of zinci legionaries of Christ, parents Charles Sikorsky (rector), Robert Presutti, John Pietropaoli, Walter Schu and Lino Otero; the consecrated laity, Antonio Maza, Fernando Suarez and Anthony MacDonnell, and the consecrated Luly Fernandez, Laura Mayers and Jennifer Ristine.
With information from “25 Years of Excellence in Catholic Mental Health at Divine Mercy University”
