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A Message From Your Multifaith Chaplaincy Team
We are here for you. Any Tufts community member can connect with any of our chaplains by submitting the brief form below. You can also find our direct emails here. We see you and stand beside you, Jumbos.
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Photo taken at previous Sangha retreat at Wonderwell
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Dear Tufts community,
During the week of spring break, I made a brief visit to Wonderwell Mountain Refuge, a retreat center rooted in Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, a place where members of Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha go on retreat. I had never been, so I got onto a bus that took me to New London, New Hampshire. While getting off, a person stood before me, as though she was waiting for someone. As she closed the distance between us, she greeted me by saying “Vineetha!” and at that moment, it felt like I had reconnected with a longtime friend. She was my tour guide, and was so immediately warm with me.
The retreat center is in a stunningly beautiful place. While giving me the tour, my guide showed me their collection of Buddha statues for sale. Among them, there was one small Buddha statue that caught my eye, and I asked how much it was. Without a pause, she told me, “It’s yours” and handed it to me. Next, as we traveled to every room, she told me the history of the building. While walking, I enjoyed the scenes of mountain ranges that were visible through the windows of the rooms. Then, she brought me to the kitchen and shared the carrot soup she had made us for lunch.
When it was time for me to depart, they gave me a small bag of almonds, specially prepared by Wonderwell cooks for my trip back to Boston. On our way back to the bus stop, I told her, I really wanted to buy a cup of coffee or something for her, to pay her back for what she did for me. She said please don't worry about it.
I continued to reflect on this experience. I realized that when I cannot pay someone back for something, it brings more beauty to this world. With this in mind, I became grateful to my friends, family members, and others. During the last week, perhaps you have also experienced such moments where you do not know how to do something in return for someone. It could be with your family, friends, or someone you happened to meet. I hope you find such moments.
With metta,
Venerable Vineetha
Buddhist Chaplain
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Special Interfaith Opportunities
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Interfaith Field Trip Week
Sunday, April 6, Wednesday, April 9, and Saturday, April 12
Thanks to our Advancing Religious Pluralism Grant from Interfaith America, the University Chaplaincy invites all students to Interfaith Field Trip Week this spring! We will host three field trips between Sunday, April 6, and Saturday, April 12. If you attend two of the three trips, you will be entered into a raffle to win a picnic tote filled with local goodies and supplies for a Pres Lawn picnic. Transportation is provided, and a meal will be served at each event.
- Islamic Society of Boston, Sunday, April 6, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
- Sri Lakshmi Hindu Temple, Wednesday, April 9, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (dinner provided)
- St. Cecelia's Catholic Church, Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
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New Civic Studies Course for Fall 2025: Religious Diversity, Interfaith Engagement, and Campus Life
Curious about how religion shapes university and civic life? Through real-world case studies, site visits around Boston, and insights from guest speakers, we will critically reflect on the ways religion and religious diversity have shaped higher education in the United States and uncover the role of youth-led interfaith activism in tackling issues like climate justice and in combating religious bias. Please contact instructor and University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger with any questions.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Our events and weekly gatherings are open to everyone in the Tufts community. You can find a calendar and descriptions of our regular events on our website. If you have an idea for a gathering or event, please contact the University Chaplaincy.
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University Chaplaincy's Spring Carillon Concert
Friday, March 28, 5:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join for the spring carillon concert! The Goddard Chapel bells make up the carillon, and to play them you just need to know how to play piano. Students are welcome to play any song of their choosing, whether it is a more traditional classical song, a modern day pop song, or anything in between. All are welcome to enjoy the concert, and light refreshments will be served. Please contact Chaplaincy Music Director Suzanne Cartreine with any questions and sign up to play below.
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COFFEE To-Go: Salem
Sunday, March 30, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join COFFEE for a fun and educational field trip to Salem with the University Chaplaincy's own Associate Director for Programs Nora Bond. We'll take the commuter rail together, and visit the Peabody Essex Museum before learning about the history and legacy of Salem and the Salem Witch Trials. You can also meet us in Salem if you have your own transportation. We'll be taking the Green Line to the Commuter Rail and then walking to the museum. Lunch and transportation are provided. RSVP with this form. Contact COFFEE President Julia Appel with any questions. No need to travel back with us.
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Small Art, Big Wisdom: Call for Artists
Deadline extended to Monday, March 31!
Get inspired by poems of Buddhist nuns and create a small-scale artwork to be presented in April at the Buddha Day Celebration at the Interfaith Center. Contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye or Associate Dean of Student Life SMFA Alyssa Baker with questions. Submit by March 31.
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Spaces to be Human: A one Night Art Show
Saturday, April 5th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Goddard Chapel
What does it mean to feel human? Within systems that don’t account for our whole selves, resistance can be found in life-affirming actions—slowing down, finding common ground, and embracing connection.
This ethos shapes Spaces to be Human, a one-night exhibition that unfolds from the warmth of centering wholeness. Artist works will explore themes of spaces of connection—including but not limited to physical shared space, the landscape of our own bodies, and meaningful emotional topographies..
Spaces to be Human will be held in Goddard Chapel and is co-curated by SMFA students Tainá Rocha and Elijah Mirman in collaboration with the University Chaplaincy. Please contact Interfaith Ambassador Elijah Mirman with any questions.
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Death Cafe with the Humanist Community at Tufts
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St
Join the Humanist Community at Tufts (HCAT) for their signature Death Cafe event. Death Cafes are an opportunity to reflect, make new friends, and develop a new understanding of the world and how you fit into it. Dinner will be provided. RSVP with the link below. Contact HCAT with any questions.
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Resources and Opportunities
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The Jewish Service Corps is an immersive service year program for emerging changemakers ages 21-26 who are passionate about social justice and ready to engage in a pluralistic Jewish community. Ideal applicants are young leaders ready to start and/or strengthen their Jewish justice journeys by spending a year serving full-time at a non-profit in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, or Washington, DC while living and learning in a justice-oriented Jewish community. Applicants can visit this website to learn more and apply.
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observances
To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Multifaith Calendar.
Ramadan
Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. (Actual dates are moon dependent). The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able to, do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Great Lent
Monday, March 3 – Saturday, April 19, 2025
In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr)
Sunday, March 30 – Monday, March 31, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. (Actual dates are moon dependent). Also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is Eid al-Adha) is celebrated on this day, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Anniversary of the Founding of the Church
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints observance. Annual World General Conference of the Church held on Saturday and Sunday closest to this date each year.
Ramanavami
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. The Ramayana, one of the Hindu epics that tells the story of Rama, is read during the previous eight days.
Hanna Matsuri: Buddha's Birthday (East Asia)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
April 8 is the day to celebrate the birth of Buddha. It is said that sweet rain poured from the sky at his birth, so the celebration involves pouring Amacha for the Buddhist statue in Hanamido. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
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The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
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