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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Dear Jumbos,
In many Christian churches right now, it is the season of Epiphany, which celebrates the manifestation of the Divine in the Person of Jesus. A major Epiphany story from the New Testament is that of the Magi visiting the Christ Child in Bethlehem. The poet and artist Jan Richardson reflects on this story of the Wise Ones’ journey and offers these wonderful words:
"Call it one of the mercies of the road: that we see it only by stages as it opens before us, as it comes into our keeping step by single step. There is nothing for it but to go and by our going take the vows the pilgrim takes: to be faithful to the next step; to rely on more than the map; to heed the signposts of intuition and dream; to follow the star that only you will recognize…"
We are on a difficult road right now in this country, and in other parts of our world. Many of us are weighed down by fear, sorrow, and anger in response to oppression that denies the inherent dignity and infinite worth of our fellow human beings, no matter who they are or where they are from. All we can do is seek to be faithful to the next step on this path, staying true to our convictions, following the star of our consciences, the divine spark within us all.
You and I do not travel the road alone. We are surrounded by those, past and present, who bear witness to a better way. We are called to journey together, encouraging each other in hope for peace and justice for all. We remember especially the prophetic witness of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., giving thanks for his life and legacy, and seeking to continue his witness and work today. In this spirit, I also invite and encourage you to attend Tufts' annual Rev. Dr. King Celebration tomorrow (see details below).
If you're struggling on the road you’re on right now, or just want to check in, please know that we in the University Chaplaincy are here for you. You can always ask for a chaplain to check in with you, using the brief form below.
Blessings of Peace and Light,
Rev. Daniel Bell
Protestant Chaplain
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Martin Luther King Celebration 2026
Tomorrow - Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Distler Hall
Join for this annual celebration, recommitting Tufts to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. King. This year’s theme Lift Every Voice is inspired by King’s 1963 speech “I Have a Dream.” The event will feature the Tufts Wind Ensemble, Ladies of Essence and S-Factor, the 2026 winner of the MLK Student Voices Award, and the first Massachusetts Poet Laureate, Regie Gibson, who will perform an original piece. The event will be recorded and livestreamed. ASL interpretation will be available. Please register below to attend virtually or in-person. Thank you to our co-hosts, the Africana Center, the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Inclusive Excellence, Tisch College of Civic Life, and the Office of Student Life.
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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Action
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
“And some of us who have already begun to break the silence of the night have found that the calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak. We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Beyond Vietnam, A Time to Break Silence,” 1967
Join the Interfaith Ambassador Team for the 2026 MLK Day of Community Action for dinner, workshops led by Tufts faculty, and an open mic. Together, we will explore our own roles in the fight for change through the lenses of language, music, and art. Engage in conversation, collaborate with friends and learn from our histories. Locally sourced dinner will be provided. Registration is required and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, January 26. Spots are limited. For questions, please contact Interfaith Ambassador Tyler Kwong.
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Did you know? We have newsletters you might be looking for!If you are looking for more community-specific newsletters, you can subscribe for the newsletters from our Buddhist, Catholic, Humanist, Muslim, and Protestant chaplains as well. Most newsletters are weekly, and contain information about upcoming events and gatherings, and feature reflections from each chaplain. The Hillel communications information can be found on their website. You can opt out any time from any of the communications you receive from the University Chaplaincy and associated chaplaincies.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Mystical Traditions Discussion Group
Wednesdays, January 28, February 11, February 25, March 25, April 8, April 22
Goddard Chapel on January 28, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Join the new mystical traditions discussion group to learn about the varied ways that our traditions teach us to directly connect to the divine! Inspired by the Interfaith Student Council, each session we will bring in spiritual leaders to share their understandings of mystical practices from different religious backgrounds and engage students in conversation about them. This will be a great way to gain understanding of different traditions while learning more about yourself and your own connection to the sacred! Please email Interfaith Student Council member Michelle Burger with any questions.
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Finding Meaning in the Non-Linear: Reflections on Success, Productivity & Career Paths
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Drawing on her unconventional career path from U.S. Public Health Official to Certified Professional Organizer, entrepreneur, and award-winning author, Jenny Albertini, MPH (Tufts CH A02) will share how professional ambition, personal values, and lived experience can be integrated into a meaningful life. In this interactive workshop, Jenny will invite us to reflect on the assumptions we hold about success, productivity, and linear career paths. Dinner provided. Co-sponsored by Community Health, Career Services and the University Chaplaincy. Please register below. You can email the University Chaplaincy with any questions.
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Resources and Opportunities
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GradConnect with the Office of Student Life
GradConnect is a peer-led program to help grad students bridge disciplines, build community, and make friends. The program consists of six 1-hour sessions led by a trained grad student facilitator and runs from late January through February. At each session you'll have interesting, guided conversations (don't worry, you don't have to come up with what to talk about!) and do some other activities (like sharing a photo or personal object) to help you connect quickly. About 85% of past participants say they'd recommend it to a friend, and 4 out of 5 say they'd hang out again with someone they met in the program.
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Intro to Mindfulness
Looking to de-stress, improve your sleep, or decrease self-judgement? Student Life offers a free Intro to Mindfulness class that can help with that! Intro Mindfulness is a free, four-week class, beginning Sunday, January 25. Classes meet in-person at Tisch Library. No prior mindfulness or meditation experience is required. We'll also be offering a Mindfulness 2.0 class for returners! You can sign up for either class below.
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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.
Vasant Panchami
Fri., Jan. 23, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
One of many festivals to honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly in North India, where it is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of learning; however, it also retains connection with the goddess Lakshmi.
Sadeh
Thu., Jan. 29, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
An Iranian mid-winter celebration observed by the kindling of fire. Meaning “one-hundred,” Sadeh marks 50 days (100 days and nights) before Naw Ruz.
Imbolc
Sun., Feb. 1, 2026
Tradition: Wicca/Paganism
The first fertility festival, celebrating the approach of spring and the growth of light in the darkness.
Tu B'Shevat
Sun., Feb. 1 – Mon., Feb. 2, 2026
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
Mon., Feb. 2 – Tue., Feb. 3, 2026
Tradition: Islam
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.
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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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