Programme
International Conference on Religion, Spirituality and Health 2026
17–19 October 2026
Catholic University of Lisbon, Portugal
The conference programme brings together keynote lectures, academic presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities for international networking. The programme is designed around interdisciplinary perspectives connecting religion, spirituality, psychology, medicine, meditation, and holistic health.
The Lisbon campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa has multiple auditoriums and conference facilities suitable for academic events.
DAY ONE — Saturday, 17 October 2026
Foundations, Religion & Spirituality
08:30–09:30 — Registration & Welcome Coffee
Registration, conference materials, refreshments and networking.
09:30–10:00 — Official Opening Ceremony
Welcome address by the Conference Chair and representatives of the host institution.
10:00–10:45 — Opening Keynote
Religion, Spirituality and Human Well-Being
Keynote address exploring the relationship between religious traditions, spirituality and holistic human health.
10:45–11:15 — Coffee Break
11:15–12:45 — Plenary Session I
Religion, Spirituality and Health
- Religion and contemporary healthcare
- Spirituality and human flourishing
- Faith, meaning and resilience
- Religious approaches to healing
12:45–14:00 — Lunch Break
14:00–15:30 — Parallel Academic Sessions
Research presentations from scholars and practitioners.
15:30–16:00 — Coffee Break
16:00–17:30 — Panel Discussion
Can Spirituality Contribute to Better Health?
17:30–18:00 — Day One Closing Remarks
DAY TWO — Sunday, 18 October 2026
Mental Health, Meditation & Holistic Care
09:00–09:30 — Morning Mindfulness Session
09:30–10:15 — Keynote Lecture
Spirituality and Mental Health in the Modern World
10:15–11:00 — Keynote Lecture
Meditation, Mindfulness and Psychological Well-Being
11:00–11:30 — Coffee Break
11:30–13:00 — Plenary Session II
Spirituality & Mental Health
- Spirituality and psychological well-being
- Stress and emotional resilience
- Spiritual counselling
- Meaning, purpose and mental health
13:00–14:15 — Lunch Break
14:15–15:45 — Workshop Sessions
Workshop A: Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation
Workshop B: Compassion, Resilience and Well-Being
15:45–16:15 — Coffee Break
16:15–17:45 — Expert Panel
Spiritual Care in Healthcare and Clinical Practice
17:45–18:15 — Questions & Discussion
18:15 — Networking Reception
DAY THREE — Monday, 19 October 2026
Healthcare, Ethics & Future Perspectives
09:00–09:30 — Morning Reflection & Meditation
09:30–10:15 — Keynote Lecture
Religion, Spirituality and the Future of Healthcare
10:15–11:30 — Plenary Session III
Spiritual Care & Holistic Healthcare
- Spiritual care in hospitals
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Patient-centred healthcare
- Ethics and spirituality
- Healthcare professionals and spiritual well-being
11:30–12:00 — Coffee Break
12:00–13:00 — Research Presentation Session
13:00–14:15 — Lunch Break
14:15–15:45 — International Roundtable
Religion, Spirituality and Health Across Cultures
15:45–16:15 — Coffee Break
16:15–17:15 — Closing Plenary
Towards an Integrated Vision of Health and Human Flourishing
17:15–17:45 — Conference Conclusions
17:45–18:15 — Closing Ceremony & Certificates
18:15 — Conference Ends
Programme Highlights
3 Days • Keynote Lectures • Academic Presentations • Panel Discussions • Meditation Sessions • Workshops • International Networking