The Catholic Church in the Diocese of Arlington celebrates the 35th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of the Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, bishop emeritus of this diocese, on April 12, 2023.
With great joy, we celebrate and look back on Bishop Loverde’s long and faithful years of service to Our Lord as a parish priest, religious educator, chaplain and bishop. He began his episcopacy in 1988, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, then served five years as bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Following the death of Bishop John Keating, Pope John Paul II named Bishop Loverde the third bishop of the Diocese of Arlington in 1999.
As shepherd of the Diocese of Arlington for 17 years, Bishop Loverde lived out his episcopal motto, “Encourage and Teach with Patience,” with pastoral love and a deep devotion to serving all the faithful entrusted to his care. He has been 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. Bishop Loverde continues to live out his ministry in our midst with devotion and joy. As Bishop Loverde’s successor, I appreciate his model of humility and faithfulness. On a personal level, I am grateful for his friendship and ongoing support and encouragement. May Our Blessed Mother, who joyfully embraced God’s invitation to a life of complete devotion, keep Bishop Loverde in her loving care, and may Our Lord continue to bless his faithful servant for many years to come.
