Catholicism and Human Flourishing

On November 13, the FCJ Christian Life Centre hosted a public lecture by Dr. Peter Baltutis, an Associate Professor of History and Religious Studies, the Catholic Women's League Chair for Catholic Studies, and the Chair of Humanities at St. Mary's University in Calgary. The evening focused on the intersection of Catholic teachings and the concept of human flourishing, drawing an engaged audience keen to explore faith-based approaches to contemporary challenges.

The event followed a structured evening program, allowing for both formal presentation and informal discussion. During his talk, he emphasized that human flourishing is more than happiness and that it is a way of being which requires an active commitment to live well. Drawing on his frequent visits to bookstores, Dr. Baltutis shared a poignant observation: shelves are increasingly focused on "wellness" rather than explicit "spirituality." He noted that many modern wellness concepts are, in fact, deeply rooted in established spiritual teachings. He then introduced four significant figures in the Catholic faith who we can look up to as models exemplifying the core of human flourishing.

By framing the discussion around faith, hope, love, and community, Dr. Baltutis offered a profoundly optimistic vision for the role of the Catholic faith in modern life.  His lecture offered a compelling roadmap for how Catholic principles can be applied to foster a more just and flourishing world for all. It was indeed a wonderful evening full of practical and meaningful learnings.