The 4th European Conference on Religion/Spirituality and Health is being held in Malta between the 22nd and the 24th May 2014 at the South Auditorium, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta.
The aim of the conference is to exchange expertise and research results of health care professionals on the relationship between religion/spirituality and health/illness in order to address patients’ needs holistically.
Before the official opening of the conference, participants will have a cordial meeting with the President of Malta, H.E. M.L. Coleiro Preca, at the Palace in Valletta.
The Conference will be inaugurated by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Christopher Fearne, Professor Angela Xuereb, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Emanuel Agius, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and H.G. Mgr Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P., whilst Rev. Canon Simon Godfrey, Chancellor Anglican Church, will close the conference.
Diverse renowned local and international speakers having a range of expertise in this field will present keynote speeches and symposia papers on various dimensions of spirituality and spiritual care by the multidisciplinary team.
This conference will be well attended by participants from various countries including a number of inter-professional students from the United Kingdom and USA. The full programme being organised includes an additional study day for students, professional visits at Mater Dei Hospital, a social evening and sightseeing tour of Malta and Gozo.
This conference is expected to raise awareness on the significance and impact of spirituality in illness and health care, as well as to help health care professionals to reflect on their care, whilst enabling them to deliver holistic care in a multi-disciplinary team approach.
Spirituality in teamwork will be demonstrated by the voluntary contribution of the Maltese healthcare professionals who will be sharing their musical talents in a repertoire taking place before The Malta Public Talk by Professor Harold Koenig from USA on ‘Integrating religion/spirituality into clinical practice’ at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta on Thursday 22nd May at 6.30pm.
Health caregivers working in various clinical sectors and the public are encouraged to attend.
The public is also invited to join the international conference participants and form one whole community at inter-religious ‘Prayers for Peace’ on Friday, the 23rd of May, starting at 7.00pm at Mdina Cathedral. The President of Malta, H.E. M.L. Coleiro Preca will be attending.