Health of the person – physical, mental, social, and spiritual  – is “wholeness as intended by God,” said Tyler VanderWeele, PhD, keynote speaker at the Michigan Area’s annual symposium on May 2 at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit.

In his most recent book, A Theology of Health: Wholeness and Human Flourishing, Dr. VanderWeele proposes a model of health that includes “communion with God” and flourishing communities as necessary elements of “the complete health of the person.” He noted that “Participation in religious communities is powerfully related to health and wellbeing.”

Dr. VanderWeele is the John L Leob and Frances Lehman Loeb Professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. He is also a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and serves as director of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and co-director of the university’s Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion.

A Christian model of health takes into account the realities of sin and grace, Dr. VanderWeele said. While a “one-to-one” correlation between sin and ill health is not necessarily accurate, “communal elements – unjust structures, generational problems, slavery – distort human nature,” he explained. “Human wrongdoing cannot be overlooked as a cause of ill health … Healing of the person cannot fully come about without a healing from sin.”

The Church and its members have roles to play in healing “through communal life, forgiveness, prayer, fasting, the sacraments, growth in character and the care of others, including the work of medicine,”  he added.

Also presenting at the symposium was Sari Vazquez, MAPP, M.Ed, who discussed how growth in holiness supports health and happiness. Using St. John of the Cross’ poem “Dark Night of the Soul” as a starting point, she traced how the soul becomes holier as initial consolations are stripped away, leading finally to total dependence on and union with God. Sari Vazquez holds a master’s degree in applied psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in spirituality from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of former Michigan Area Co-Chairs Barbara Wilson, DM, and Robert Wilson, KM.

The Michigan Area also followed its usual First Saturday devotion as part of the symposium. See “‘The Boss telling us who He is’: At Michigan Area’s May 2 First Saturday, Jesus’ call to works is focus.” A light breakfast and lunch were included in the day.

The Michigan Area is very grateful to Brother Michael Bertram, OFM Cap., and the staff of the Solanus Casey Center for being our gracious hosts.

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