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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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In the past few months, I have been ruminating on a concept that significantly informs my personal life and chaplaincy: prosociality.
The evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson defines prosociality[1] as behavior that is oriented toward the welfare of others. What strikes me is that this isn’t uniquely human, rather it’s a capacity shared across species, woven into the fabric of life itself. Feminist philosopher Donna Haraway[2] takes this further, reminding us that we are always “becoming-with” others, that we exist in relationships of response-ability. We are enmeshed, whether we acknowledge it or not.
This particular understanding challenges the designation of homo sapien, a name we gave ourselves, declaring our wisdom as something proprietary to us. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if our prosocial capabilities emerge not from human exceptionalism but from our entanglement with other more-than-human species?
The polycrisis in which we inhabit makes this question urgent. We celebrate when species recover from the endangered list, yet countless others–particularly the most vulnerable, often beyond our immediate web of concern–continue to suffer and disappear. Environmental degradation doesn’t respect the boundaries we’ve drawn between human welfare and ecological health. The recent snowstorm in the Boston area reminded me how we move through and consider more-than-human lives differently when the natural world refuses to stay polished and boundaried, when it breaks order and demands our attention.
Prosociality must hold both the ecological web and pressing human needs without collapsing one into the other. This requires resisting dehumanizing narratives which suggest some lives matter more than others, that some knowledge counts more than others, and that some species deserve care while others are rendered expendable.
I invite us to consider: How might we practice prosociality not just toward other humans, but in Haraway’s sense? Could we see more kinship with the soil, the pollinators, the waterways, and the companion species with whom we share this complex world and turbulent reality? I wonder what it could change for us.
Anthony Cruz Pantojas
Humanist Chaplain and Coordinator of Africana Spirituality
[1] Atkins, P. W., Wilson, D. S., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). Prosocial: Using evolutionary science to build productive, equitable, and collaborative groups. New Harbinger Publications.
[2] Haraway, D. J. (2016). Staying with the trouble : making kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Lunch and Learn Series : MLK Celebration 2026
Please join co-hosts of the Tufts annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration for our Lunch and Learn series in February. Each session will engage the 2026 theme “Lifting Every Voice” with recorded clips from the event and facilitated group conversation. All Tufts students, faculty, and staff are welcome, and lunch is provided at the in-person events. See dates and locations below, and register. Please email the University Chaplaincy with any questions. All events will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Grafton - Wednesday, February 4 in Kohnstamm Conference Room Jean Mayer Admin Building
- Medford - Monday, February 9 in the Austin Room at Tisch Library
- Boston - Tuesday, February 10 at Jaharis Cafe, 150 Harrison Ave
- SMFA - Wednesday, February 11 in Room B209
- Virtual - Thursday, February 12 on Zoom
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Interfaith Week with the Interfaith Student Council
Friday February 6 - Friday February 13
At the University Chaplaincy, like all of Tufts, gatherings are always open to everyone and during Interfaith Week our religious and philosophical student organizations are making a special effort to embrace a spirit of radical hospitality! Each group will be especially expecting newcomers and visitors, explaining rituals, sharing practices, and providing snacks. We aim to build religious literacy, empathy and connection on campus, and share our rich and diverse traditions with each other. For any questions or to learn more, contact Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper and Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani. Stop by any event!
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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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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Spanish - English Bilingual Mass
Sunday, February 8 (and every second Sunday of the month)
Every second Sunday of the month, the Catholic community celebrates 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 student leader Jose Rodriguez Sanchez to learn more or sign up!
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Midday Mindfulness with the Buddhist Chaplaincy
Monday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop Street
These meditation sessions are designed to introduce you to different types of loving kindness meditation and mindfulness meditation techniques over the course of the semester. The Buddhist Chaplain will help you incorporate these practices into your everyday life. By the end of the semester, you’ll have the skills to maintain your own mindfulness practice independently. No prior experience is required. Each session will start with the Buddhist Chaplain explaining the method and leading a 20-minute guided practice, followed by time for further practice and discussion. Please contact Vineetha Mahayaye for any questions. RSVP using the link below.
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Living Islam in Higher Education: Race, Religion and Spiritual Care
Thursday, February 12, 6:00 p.m., Africana Center, 8 Professor's Row
Join the Tufts Muslim Chaplaincy for an evening with Imam Dr. Bilal W. Ansari, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Over dinner, Dr. Ansari will share his journey and reflect on developing comprehensive spiritual care for a diverse student population, navigating race and religion in higher education, the challenges he has overcome, and the work that still lies ahead. RSVP by clicking on the button below and contact Muslim Chaplainc Khan Shairani and Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Panthojas with any questions.
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Small Art, Big Wisdom: Call for Artists
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, February 18
Draw inspiration from your own personal story, Zen Buddhist stories, or Jātaka tales to create a small-scale artwork. The finished piece will be presented in late March at SMFA and in mid-April at the Interfaith Center. Contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye with questions. More information and submission guidelines can be found through the link below.
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Is Catholic Post-Liberalism Unjust? A Book Talk with Kevin Vallier
Monday, February 9, 12:00 p.m. onwards, Eaton 201
Join us for a talk by political philosopher Kevin Vallier discussing his book All the Kingdoms of the World: On Radical Religious Alternatives to Liberalism.
In All the Kingdoms of the World, Vallier provides a fresh assessment of Catholic integralism and other new and radical religious alternatives to liberal democracy. According to a common narrative, the twentieth century spelled the end of faith-infused political movements. Their ideologies, like Catholic integralism, would soon be forgotten. Humans were finally learning to keep religion out of politics. Or were we? In the twenty-first century, nations as diverse as Russia, India, Poland, and Turkey have seen a revival of religious politics, and many religious movements in other countries have proved similarly resilient. A new generation of political theologians passionately reformulate ancient religious doctrines to revolutionize modern political life. They insist that states recognize the true religion, and they reject modern liberal ideals of universal religious freedom and church-state separation. Vallier invites all his readers on a unique intellectual adventure, encouraging them to explore unfamiliar ideals through the lenses of theology, philosophy, politics, economics, and history.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Whispers of the Invisible Truth and Reality: What We Know and How We Know it a Lecture by Mary Casey
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 p.m., Anderson Auditorium, 230 Fenway, SMFA
Please join us for an incredible series to investigate what is real. Through the lenses of science, philosophy, art, and spirituality, this series will examine the boundaries between what we perceive and what exists, what we know and what we intuit, and what is seen and what is believed. Across the sessions, we will return to a central theme: Is there more to reality than meets the eye? Each session will start at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a small reception. RSVP using the link below.
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Chrysalis Retreat
Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. - Sunday, March 8, 7:00 p.m., Providence Zen Center, RI
Sign up by February 12
Chrysalis retreat is designed for participating graduate students to cultivate authenticity and belonging through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating cognitive (counter narratives, strengths based approach, social identity wheel), relational (restorative practices, generous listening and dialogue with compassion, community building), and somatic (yoga, guided meditation, mindfulness nature walk, contact improvisation dance, etc,) approaches. For questions or more information contact Ryoka Teramachi. Open to all Tufts graduate students.
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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.
Maha Shivaratri
Sun., Feb. 15 - Mon., Feb 16, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs are sung, and stories told in honor of this God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys, and recreates the world.
Nirvana Day
Sun., Feb. 15, 2026
Tradition: Buddhism
In the northern tradition, it commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast Asia, the buddha's parinirvana is remembered during Wesak.
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.
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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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