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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Photograph of mangoes taken by Vineetha on his trip to Sri Lanka in winter 2025
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Dear Jumbos,
For the past month or so, I have been paying close attention to how I spend my energy. I have noticed this pattern in both my home life and my work. I truly enjoy cooking and cleaning, but there are times when I don’t have the energy to cook something new. On those days, I eat leftover food. Whenever I eat leftovers, I don’t feel as energized as I do when I eat something freshly made. Cooking requires time and effort, but when I enjoy the meal, I gain a lot of positive energy in return. Most of the time, that makes me happy.
However, there are also moments when I spend a great deal of energy preparing a particular dish, and it doesn’t turn out the way I hoped. When that happens, I feel as though my energy was wasted, and I often avoid making that dish again for about a month. Eventually, I may return to it with a better plan, reflecting on what went wrong. Or I might call my mom and ask how she prepares it!
Every Wednesday night, I host a program called Tea & Community Care at Goddard Chapel. Wednesdays are usually long days for me, and by the evening, much of my mental and physical energy has already been spent. Just before the program begins, I slowly cut mangoes for the students who attend. We start at 7 p.m., and by the time we begin meditation, I often feel exhausted.
We sit in silence for five minutes, then do a 10–15-minute meditation, followed by a discussion on a theme that interests us. By the end of the program, I feel both mentally and physically refreshed. I am still trying to understand how I regain so much energy. Is it the silence and meditation with others, or is it simply the taste of freshly cut mangoes?
I would like to invite you to be mindful of how you spend and receive energy in your own life. I hope you discover ways to spend, gain, and restore both your mental and physical energy. I would love to hear how you use your energy.
With metta,
Vineetha Mahayaye
Buddhist Chaplain
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Services
Wednesday, February 18, 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
All are welcome to join in this ecumenical Liturgy of the Word with prayer, singing, reflection, and the optional imposition of ashes, hosted by Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper and Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell. Join us as we head out through the wilderness, moving toward the Cross and the Empty Tomb. For questions or more information, contact either chaplain.
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Sacred Inquiry: The Art of Meaningful Exploration
Thursdays, February 19, March 5, March 12, and April 2, 2026, from 12:00 p.m.- to 1:30 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join a small community of ten graduate students for four gatherings that blend inquiry practices with evidence-based wellness approaches. Together, we will explore the art of becoming more human—with all its complexity, beauty, and challenge. Open to all no matter your spiritual, philosophical, or ethical background. Whether you’re wrestling with purpose, seeking connection, or simply curious about life’s questions and how spirituality or values-oriented systems inform mental health, this space of sacred work is for you. Food will be provided, please register. For any questions or concerns, email the Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas or Counseling and Mental Health Services Clinician Jennifer Granquist.
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Be-Friend: The Interfaith Friendship Program: Building Connection on Campus
Sign up by Friday, February 20, in-person/virtual opportunities
This six-week program is designed for participants to go deep and to talk about the things that matter like our values, our sense of purpose, and our questions about life. It's time to connect, build empathy, and hone the skills of listening. Participants will go on nature walks, reflect on shared meals, the practice of enjoying tea, listening to music and the deep reading—of poetry, art, the world, our lives and one another. You and your partner will bring your calendars to the table and commit to spending an hour together each week. Students will be paired with other students, and the same for staff/faculty. The program will begin the end of February. All are welcome - student, faculty and staff! Please sign up by February 20 using the link below. Contact Associate Director Lynn Cooper if you have any questions.
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Fletcher Interfaith Iftar
Wednesday, February 25, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Breed Hall
Join the Fletcher School for an evening introducing Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. All are welcome, whether you are fasting or simply curious to learn. For any questions, contact Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani. Please RSVP through the link below.
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Vigil for Iran
Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join the Tufts Persian Student Association (TPFA) and the Humanist Chaplaincy in a vigil of mourning and solidarity with the people of Iran during continued social and political upheaval. Light refreshments will be provided. For questions or needs, contact the Humanist Chaplain, Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
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Catholic Community Spring Retreat
Friday, February 27, 4:00 p.m. to Sunday, March 1, 12:00 p.m.
The Catholic Community at Tufts invites all undergraduate students to attend the 2026 Spring Retreat! Join us for three days of prayer, art, and reflection exploring the topic of connection to the natural world at the beautiful Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, MA. If you are interested, please RSVP by clicking on this link below. The retreat is free to all students. Please email Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper with any questions.
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Kurukulla Center & On Campus Mini-Retreat
Saturday, February 28, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Kurukulla Center
Saturday, February 28, 6:00 p.m. – Sunday, March 1, 10:00 a.m., Goddard Chapel & Interfaith Center
Join the Buddhist community for a temple visit and overnight mini-retreat featuring an introduction to the statues and symbolism of a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, guided meditation and practices led by the resident monk at Kurukulla Center, mindful Full Moon observance, incense and lantern making, and more. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students. For questions, contact Mahayaye Vineetha.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Mindfulness Group for Club Sports
Multipurpose Room Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., (3/6, 3/13, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10)
Mindfulness enhances our day-to-day experiences as human beings and our lives as athletes. Join us for a drop-in session! Our time together will include small group conversation and mindfulness exercises to help build the muscles for improved focus/awareness, self-compassion, stress management, and burnout prevention. All are welcome! No experience required. If you can only attend a few of the meetings, that's ok! Do not let that be an obstacle. Please email Associate Director of University Chaplaincy and Athletics Liaison Lynn Cooper with any questions.
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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.
Ramadan
Tue., Feb. 17 – Thur., Mar. 19, 2026
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Approximate date (moon dependent). The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able 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.
Ash Wednesday
Wed., Feb. 18, 2026
Tradition: Christian-Catholic and Protestant
A special day of repentance observed by Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance, and self-denial preceding Easter. The name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful with ashes to signify penitence.
Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti
Wed., Feb. 18, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
Celebrates the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna, teacher of Swami Vivekananda.
Lent
Wed., Feb. 18 - Sat. Apr. 4
Tradition: Christian-Catholic and Protestant
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.
Clean Monday
Mon., Feb. 23, 2026
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox, Christianity-Roman Catholic
The first day of Great Lent throughout Eastern Christianity.
Great Lent
Mon., Feb. 23 – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
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.
Nineteen Day Fast
Mon., Mar. 2 – Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
Tradition: Baha'i
A designated 19-day period of fasting each year immediately before the Bahá’í New Year. The fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the new year ahead.
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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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