The relationship between religion, spirituality, health and illness, as a way to address patients’ needs holistically, will be discussed at the 4th European Conference on Religion/Spirituality and Health being held from Thursday to Saturday at the University Faculty of Health Sciences’ South Auditorium.

The 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 deliver holistic care in a multi-disciplinary team approach.

Local and international speakers will present speeches and symposia papers on various dimensions of spirituality and spiritual care during the conference, which will be attended by participants from various countries, including a number of inter-professional students from the UK and US.

Prof. Harold Koenig from the US will deliver a public talk on ‘Integrating religion/spirituality into clinical practice’ at the University’s Sir Temi Zammit Hall on Thursday at 6.30pm. Prior to the talk, Maltese healthcare professionals will demonstrate teamwork and their musical talents by performing a repertoire.

Health care-providers working in various clinical sectors and the public are encouraged to attend.

The public is also invited to join the conference participants at an inter-religious ‘Prayers for Peace’ on Friday at 7pm at the Mdina Cathedral.