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From left to right: Muslim Chaplain Khan Asfandyar Shairani, Protestant Chaplain Rev. Dan Bell, Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper, University Chaplainc Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger, Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas and Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Mahayaye Vineetha at ACSLHE Conference, February 2025
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
This past weekend, I had the great privilege of joining several of my colleagues at the annual Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education (ACSLHE) conference hosted by Howard, Georgetown, and American Universities in Washington, D.C. The majority of the University Chaplaincy team spent two and a half days with chaplains and spiritual life professionals from across the country. We put our hearts and minds together, sharing practical wisdom, cultivating deep connection and rooting down, in solidarity with one another.
One workshop I attended was led by Rabbi Camille Angel from the University of San Francisco. Entitled Honoring our LGBTQ+ Religious Elders, Rabbi Angel’s course partners undergraduates with queer Jewish elders in the Bay Area. These students interview their partner and are responsible for creating a short film honoring the legacy of their elder. Intergenerational friendships and connections are what ground us to something larger than ourselves. The wisdom of those who have come before us can be our beacon of light in the darkness.
This reminded me in every way of our Catholic Oral History Project here at Tufts, which will celebrate its fourth anniversary next month. I began this work in partnership with a Tufts graduate during the height of the pandemic. Together, we dreamed of piecing together the history of Catholic life on campus, turning to the experts—Jumbos whose spiritual lives were nourished in the Newman Center, the Catholic Center, Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center. We wanted our current students to know they are part of something larger through time, empowering intergenerational relationships between them and those who have gone before them.
With support from the Alumni Council and Tisch Library Archives, we have interviewed over twenty alumni (from the 1950s-2010’s), employing three recent graduates and two current students to conduct and transcribe interviews. The stories have lifted up friendships spanning decades, Sunday night rituals of library-Mass-library, and deeper reflections on what it meant to be part of a community of faith with peers. While the traditions differ, I recognized in Rabbi Angel’s project the gifts I cherish in the Catholic Oral History Project. Across time, through space, we still belong to each other.
In this coming week, I invite you to embrace a spirit of curiosity and reverence and connect with a wise elder. Whether a family member, mentor, advisor, neighbor, or a friend you have encountered in a holy text, spend time with them in an intentional way – listening, learning. May this practice remind you of the deep entangled roots that bind us to one another. May you know in your bones that you are not alone.
Lynn Cooper
Catholic Chaplain and Associate Director of the University Chaplaincy
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| Upcoming Signature Programs
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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day of Community Action
Wednesday, February 5, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St.
Spots are still available for tonight's dinner and workshop! Join the Interfaith Ambassador Team for its annual Day of Community Action, inspired by this year's Day of Celebration theme, "Where Do We Go From Here?" This year's focus is Housing Justice, and we will hear from a panel of local activists and housing experts as we engage these questions relationship to our current housing crisis: Where Are We? How Did We Get Here? Where Do We Go From Here? Dinner will be served, and you will have the opportunity to sign up to volunteer and advocate with various organizations throughout the semester! Please sign up below and contact Interfaith Ambassador Tyler Kwong, A27 for more information.
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"Where Do We Go From Here" Lunch and Learns
Various dates on all Tufts campuses
Join the Tufts community for "Where Do We Go From Here?" Lunch and Learn events this February, celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These gatherings will reflect on King’s 1967 speech and its call to unite power, love, and justice. Events will be held at the Grafton Campus, Boston Campus, Medford Campus, and SMFA with lunch. Open to all faculty, staff, and students. For details contact the University Chaplaincy. Register below.
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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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Spanish English Bilingual Mass / Misa bilingüe en ingles y español
Domingo, 9 febrero (cada segundo Domingo del mes) / Sunday, February 9 (every second Sunday of the month)
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 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 Jose Rodriguez Sanchez to learn more or sign up!
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Daily Flame Chosen Movie Night
Friday, February 7, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Tisch 204
Join Daily Flame for upcoming February events, including movie night this week and a game night later this month. You can contact Daily Flame leadership by emailing them, and find more information about upcoming events on their Instagram. Information about their daily devotional gatherings can be found on the University Chaplaincy website below (under Protestant - Nondenominational).
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Created for Community: A Four-Week Bible Study for an Unlonely Lent
Wednesdays, February 12 - March 5, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Campus Center Room 203
You are invited to a four-week Bible study on the importance of community. Hosted by Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell, with pizza provided, we will using a resource called Not Made to Be Alone: Created for Community in a Lonely World. The book has prompts for journaling and conversation to help us reflect as we prepare for the season of Lent. Please email Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell if you would like a copy or want to learn more.
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Modern Yogi Book Club
Wednesday, February 12, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St.
This spring, all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Modern Yogi Book Club, a series of lunchtime discussions hosted by Interfaith Ambassador and Hindu Student Association member Niam Lakhani, A27. This group will provide a space to dive deep into the captivating wisdom of Vedic texts and discover how these timeless teachings relate to our lives today. Gita 3: A Contemporary Guide to the Timeless Teachings of the Bhagavad-gita will be provided to all participants, and Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (which is available through Tisch Library and online) will also serve as a primary text. No experience or previous background is needed. Lunch from Guru the Caterer will be provided each session. For more information, contact Niam Lakhani.
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Two Events, One Night with the Africana Spirituality Series
Wednesday, February 19, Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St.
Hearty Snacks and Dialogue: Islam, Christianity and Black Identity in America
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Kai Horn for snacks and to share and discuss her experiences and intellectual journey that brought her to researching questions of religion and identity and their place in modern American society. For students who are interested in pursuing similar questions, this will be an avenue to explore together the possibilities of research and its limitations. Students can share their own interests and how they wish to engage religion through their work, advocacy, research, and other activities. Food will be provide. For questions, email Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
African Traditional Religion: The Making of a Black Christian
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join for dinner and a thought-provoking lecture exploring how identity politics in America shape our understanding of race, religion, gender, class, and human rights. Through storytelling and an Islamic literary lens, we’ll dive into historical and contemporary issues of racialization and bias. Together, we’ll unpack how these dynamics influence civil rights, cultural expressions and our shared commitment to social justice. Food will be provided.
Register for one or both of the events below!
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| Partner and Community Programs
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Join the 2025 - 2026 Cohort of Tisch Scholars
Applications are due by Monday, February 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Tisch Scholars is a unique leadership development program that combines academic coursework, community-based learning, and critical reflection. Scholars acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address pressing social issues and affect meaningful change - all while building a supportive community to strengthen civic engagement at Tufts University and beyond. See program eligibility requirements on the website linked below. Scholars earn academic credit. Eligible students may receive payment via work-study for their work with local community organizations. Learn more and apply below.
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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.
Tu B'Shevat
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Literally meaning "New Year of the Trees," it is an agricultural new year.
Laylat al-Bara'ah
Friday, February 14, 2025
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Night of Repentance; on this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban.
Nirvana Day
Saturday, February 15, 2025
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. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.
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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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