Divine Mercy University in Sterling, a Catholic graduate school of counseling and psychology, celebrated the blessing of its new St. Dymphna Chapel Sept. 21.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge was the main celebrant of Mass and conducted the blessing, alongside Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde and Legionaries of Christ Father Charles Sikorsky, university president.
“We feel so blessed to be able to open our chapel dedicated to prayer for those suffering with mental, emotional and family problems,” Father Sikorsky said. “It pains us all to see how this crisis continues to grow in our communities and culture. In addition to the best scientific treatments and therapies, God’s grace and help are essential for people to experience complete healing.”
University officials said that prayer and the sacraments form the heart and soul of the university, whose mission aligns with the belief that true healing incorporates God’s grace with the skill of the human sciences. They said that the chapel was intended to be a house of prayer for all people and that it is especially dedicated to those suffering from mental afflictions, to their families and friends, and to those who seek to accompany, treat, and heal them. Portraits of St. Dymphna and several other saints with a connection to mental health will be a prominent part of the chapel, located on the first floor of the university.
“St. Dymphna is the Catholic Church’s patron saint for those with mental health disorders,” Father Sikorsky said. “She died a martyr by resisting an extremely grave domestic violence situation. Over the centuries, her example and intercessory prayer have been an inspiration for many. We want to share her story and love for God with our community and the population at large.”
Bishop Burbidge has “continuously supported” the school since its Sterling campus opened and he blessed it in 2019, according to school officials.
