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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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This past weekend Catholics around the world celebrated the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, the environment, animals, ecology, and Catholic action. Many communities mark the feast of St. Francis by blessing animals during Sunday liturgy. This beloved tradition represents Francis' respect and reverence for our fellow earth-dwelling creatures.
On Saturday, a group of students from the Catholic Community at Tufts traveled to central Massachusetts to join the Agape Community for its annual St. Francis Day Celebration. Agape is a residential community of lay-Catholics (non-ordained people) that has committed itself to ecological justice, sustainability, prayer and non-violence for over forty years. Part teach-in, part worship, the annual St. Francis Day is something of a homecoming for many activists and artists in New England.
Whenever I am at Agape, I'm moved by the transgenerational connections. I see folks who lived in the Agape community decades ago chatting with first year college students. There are often small children running on those well-worn paths through the woods, parents pointing them out to their mentors and elderly friends. In this moment of fracture, disorientation and suffering, I always find great comfort in feeling connected to what and who has come before me. It reminds me that I am not alone in my sadness and despair. How fitting that one of the themes of the gathering this year was roots. Reflecting on the way trees communicate with one another beneath the surface, speakers lifted up the wisdom of the organisms around us and what they teach us about deep interconnectedness and the sharing of resources.
I invite you to be inspired by the spirit of St. Francis this week—in your interactions with the more than human world, offering gratitude for the animal and plant companions of your life, and by dwelling in the wisdom of the natural world around us.
Warmly,
Lynn Cooper
Associate Director, University Chaplaincy and Catholic Chaplain
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Fall Interfaith Field Trip Week
Sunday, October 19 - Saturday, October 25
Thanks to our Advancing Religious Pluralism Grant from Interfaith America, the University Chaplaincy invites you to Interfaith Field Trip Week this fall! Transportation is provided, and a meal will be a part of each event. All times below include travel time to/from the Medford campus.
- Museum of Science for the Hall of Human Life Exhibit (lunch provided) - Sunday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Museum of Fine Arts (dinner provided) - Thursday, October 23, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Zen Therapeutics Academy (lunch provided) - Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Please contact the University Chaplaincy if you have any questions. Thank you to our Humanist Chaplaincy and Buddhist Chaplaincy for their program support!
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Hindu Life Series for Fall 2025
In partnership with the Graduate Hindu Association and Hindu Students Association, the University Chaplaincy is offering a series of opportunities open to everyone about Hindu Life. We will celebrate holidays, hear from speakers, and have weekly opportunities to engage. Please find more information through the website below. Please email Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye and Graduate Programming Intern Prakruthi Ramesh with any questions. You can follow the Graduate Hindu Students Association on Instagram for regular updates.
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Spanish/English Bilingual Mass
Misa bilingüe en ingles y español, segundo Domingo del mes
Cada segundo domingo del mes, vamos a celebrar la misa bilingüe. Nosotros queremos que ustedes nos ayuden en planificar con la selección de música, cantando o participar en el coro, leyendo escrituras, y escribir oraciones. Nuestra guía de adoración proporciona la lectura en ambos idiomas, con toda la música y lecturas en español y la homilía en inglés. Estos contribuciones son una bendición para nuestra comunidad y nosotros tenemos la esperanza que vas a traer sus espíritus de tradiciones a Tufts. Contacte a jose.rodriguez_sanchez@tufts.edu para aprender más o para inscribiste para ayudar!
Every second Sunday of the month, we celebrate Bilingual Mass. We would love for you to help us plan with music selection, singing/performing in the choir, reading scripture, and writing prayers. Our worship aid provides the readings in both languages, with all music and readings in Spanish and the homily in English. These services are such a blessing to our community, and we hope you will bring the spirit of your traditions to Tufts! Email Catholic student leader Jose Rodriguez Sanchez to learn more or sign up!
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Mindfulness Nature Silent Walk
Friday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University
Reconnect with your body in healing nature, calm your mind and find peace with us at the Mindfulness walk across the Arnold Arboretum. For inquiries contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye and Graduate Student Ryoka Teramachi.
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Indigenous People's Day 2025
Sunday, October 12, 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Residential Quad
Join the Indigenous Students Organization at Tufts (ISOT) for a celebration of Indigenous People's Day! All are welcome for enjoy the vendors, performers, and food. You can follow ISOT on Instagram for updates.
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Project Connect - Groups will begin meeting the week of October 12
Are you looking to meet new people? Join Project Connect. Project Connect is a six-week, peer-led program that aims to help students meet each other, create meaningful connections, and feel like part of a community. Space is limited - join today!
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Clear Space, Clear Mind: Decluttering for College Life with Alum Jenny Albertini
Thursday, October 16, 4:00 p.m., SOGO
College is full of excitement—but also full of stuff. From overflowing dorm rooms to shared spaces with roommates, clutter can sneak up fast and add to stress, conflict, and burnout. In this interactive workshop, led by Tufts Alum Jenny Albertini, you’ll learn how to approach decluttering mindfully, set up simple habits that support focus and well-being, and navigate conversations with roommates about shared spaces (without starting a fight). We’ll also talk about how clutter connects to mental health and productivity, so you leave not just with a tidier room, but with tools to make the school year feel calmer, clearer, and more manageable.
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| Resources and Opportunities
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Volunteer with Harvard Square Meals Program
Thursdays 4:30 p.m to 7:00 p.m, Main Hall Christ Church
Since 1982, the Harvard Square Churches Meal Program has provided weekly dinners in Cambridge, serving about 120 meals along with Marketplaces offering fresh produce, toiletries, and other essentials. Volunteers are welcome to help support and serve meals. For more information or to volunteer, contact Judy Siemen or Laurie Howell, co-directors at hscmpinc@gmail.com or 617-966-6217.
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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.
Sukkot
Mon., Oct. 6 – Mon., Oct. 13, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites during desert wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for God’s presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival.
Ghambar Ayatherm
Sun., Oct. 12 – Thur., Oct. 16, 2025
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
Ghambar Ayatherm is the fourth of six seasonal, five-day festivals in the Zoroastrian religion. The term Ayatherm means "bringing home the herds," and the festival is a time to prepare for winter and appreciate the natural world and celebrate the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.
Shemini Atzeret
Mon., Oct. 13 – Wed., Oct. 15, 2025
Tradition : Judaism
Translates as "Eighth Day of the Assembly;" unclear purpose in the bible and has had many forms of celebration. Comes at the end of Sukkot and almost coincides with Simchat Torah.
Simchat Torah
Tue., Oct. 14 – Wed., Oct. 15, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
Translates as "Rejoicing of the Law." Joyous festival in which the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. The celebration typically includes singing, dancing, and marching with Torah scrolls.
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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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