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Photo credit: Lynn Cooper
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
Dear Tufts community and friends,
Monday, October 28 was the Feast of Saint Jude. Jude (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot) appears just a few times in scripture, but he is far more famous for showing up for those in need. St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Lost Causes or the Saint of the Impossible. He is the one to turn to when all hope seems to be lost, when we are at an impasse, or when we simply do not know who else to turn to.
I find St. Jude fascinating. His large following grew exponentially in the mid-twentieth century thanks to the Shrine of St. Jude in Chicago. His followers were nearly all women, second-generation Italian Americans who turned to him to speak the unspeakable. In their letters to St. Jude, which were sent to the Shrine itself, they brought to him their experiences of shame and the burden of social expectations. Many of these women had “made it,” but “making it” in American culture at this time meant leaving the rich community of the old neighborhood and moving to the suburbs. The loneliness that came with this upward social mobility was deeply painful. To St. Jude, they opened their hearts. The act of being seen by Jude was radical and transformative.
This beloved saint’s influence has stretched far and wide, offering hope to those whose hearts are weary and spirits thin. This tradition reminds me that we are called to be in a relationship and that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. For example, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis was named by its benefactor after him.
As we head into the final days before the election, with so much uncertainty and free-floating anxiety in the air, I wish you connectedness. I wish you a trusted confidant—and to be a confidant. I wish you the comfort of knowing deeply that you are not alone and the reciprocal gift of being that source of comfort for someone else.
My friends, may you feel seen and loved in all your complexity, and may the heaviness upon your shoulders be lifted.
Lynn Cooper
Catholic Chaplain and Associate Director, University Chaplaincy
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CVS 151-05: Religious Diversity, Interfaith Engagement, and Campus Life
A new course for Spring 2025, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Curious about how religion shapes university and civic life? This Spring 2025 course, offered through Tisch College for Civic Life, delves into the history and complexities of religious diversity on university campuses and its impact on community life. This course also takes you beyond the classroom. Through real-world case studies, site visits around Boston, and insights from guest speakers, you’ll critically assess the role of interfaith activism in tackling issues like climate justice and combating religious bias. There are no pre-requisites for this course. For more information, please contact University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger.
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Ponder & Pause
Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Goddard Chapel
Join us each Wednesday for an opportunity to engage in spiritual practices that help us recenter, express gratitude, reflect on our lives, and care for others. Whether it's lighting a candle, walking the labyrinth, meditation, creating a prayer bead bracelet, or writing a card, all are welcome to engage in one or all of the practices. A chaplain will be available from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM to guide participants through stations, foster deeper reflection, and provide support. Take this time to pause, practice gratitude, and share this space in hope and healing for yourself and the community.
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Play the Carillon
Friday, November 8th at 5 PM at Goddard Chapel
Do you know how to play the piano? Have you ever wanted to play the Goddard Chapel bells? The Goddard Chapel carillon is a series of bells in the Chapel tower, which are controlled by a set of piano keys within the building. Tufts owns a collection of 25 bells, which means that only part of the keyboard corresponds to a bell. Students interested in playing at the Fall carillon should sign up to meet with Chaplaincy Music Director Suzanne Cartreine to try out the carillon before the show and discuss their music selection. Please scan the QR code above or click here for more information and the sign-up sheet.
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A Fall Carillon Concert
Friday, November 8th at 5 PM at Goddard Chapel
All are welcome for a festive Fall concert to hear students play the Goddard Chapel carillon bells. Refreshments will be provided. Please contact chaplaincymusic@tufts.edu 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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Welcome Lunch: Africana Spirituality Gathering Series
Wednesday, October 30th at 3:00pm in SEC 245 Haymon Boardroom
All are welcome to join us for a delicious meal, co-hosted by the University Chaplaincy and the Africana Center. Come meet other Tufts community members, reflect on spiritual and ethical journeys, and learn about our exciting offerings for this year. This space is intended to be judgment-free, thoughtful, and welcoming to all. Scan the QR code on the graphic to RSVP. Please email Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas with questions or for more information.
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“God and the Dream Job:” Reflections on Career and Calling with Author Elizabeth Segran
Sunday, November 3rd from 7 PM to 8 PM at Goddard Chapel
Join us at Protestant Evening Worship as we welcome Elizabeth Segran, senior staff writer at Fast Company magazine and author of The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life. Liz will share reflections on her career and calling, guided by stories of calling from the Bible. Copies of her book will be available. Liz is excited to meet students and talk about the many challenging areas of life we launch into as young adults. For more information, please contact Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell.
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Inner Compass: Navigating Success through Self, Aspirations, and Values
Tuesday, November 12th from 12 PM to 1:15 PM at the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St. Are you an international graduate student looking to align your academic journey with your personal aspirations and values? Join us for Inner Compass, an enriching event hosted collaboratively by the StAAR Center and the Humanist Chaplaincy. This interactive workshop is designed to help you reflect on what success means to you, explore your strengths and core values, and connect with fellow international graduate students on similar journeys. Scan the QR code on the graphic or click here to register. Please email Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas with questions or for more information.
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| Partner and Community Programs
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Election Night Extravaganza
Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Joyce Cumming Center
Join an election night takeover of the Joyce Cummings Center and celebrate the democratic process with your friends! Gather as a community to watch early election results come in on big screens*, enjoy food, games, trivia, a photo booth and other fun activities, join optional political discussions, take advantage of de-stress zones, and more. No matter how you plan on commemorating this election, the JCC is your one-stop-shop for experiencing election night together as a Tufts community. All are welcome! Drop in for a short time or stay for the duration.
This event is sponsored by Tisch College, the Dean of Students Office, the Office for Campus Life, the Experimental College, the Arts & Sciences Toupin-Bolwell Fund, Office of Residential Life & Learning, the Tufts Republicans, the Tufts Democrats, the Tufts Federalist Society, JumboVote and the TCU Senate.
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Sufi utterances for peace: Qawwali Mehfil performed by Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal & Brothers
Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30 PM in Distler Performance Hall, Granoff Music Center
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional voice and instrumental performance, originating in South Asia. Each performance is unique as these classically trained vocalists, who are amongst the most exciting contemporary practitioners, interweave verse-chorus sequences that are rich in poetic and spiritual symbolism in Urdu, Farsi, Hindi, Poorvi, Arabic, Punjabi.
Event co-sponsored by: the Harvard University History Department, Tufts Center for South Asia and Indian Ocean Studies (CSAIOS), Departments of Music; Religion; Race Colonialism & Diaspora (RCD); English; & Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS), The Toupin Bolwell Fund, Center for the Humanities at Tufts (CHAT), The University Chaplaincy, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Office of Institutional Inclusive Excellence & The Graduate Student Council.
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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.
Diwali (Dipavali)
Thursday, October 31 – Friday, November 1, 2024
Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Samhain
Thursday, October 31 – Friday, November 1, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. The New Year and the final harvest festival, celebrating the last gifts of the Earth before winter and the return of the spirits of the dead.
All Saints’ Day
Friday, November 1, 2024
All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Diwali (Mahavir Nirvana)
Friday, November 1, 2024
This "Festival of Lamps" celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge," which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance.
All Souls' Day
Saturday, November 2, 2024
All Souls' Day, also called The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, observed by certain Christian denominations on 2 November. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Birth of the Bab
Saturday, November 2, 2024
The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, the herald of the new age for Baha'is. The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel, is part of the World Center of the Baha'i faith.
Birth of Baha'u'llah
Sunday, November 3, 2024
The anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith. 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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