Monthly Reflection

by Bishop Myron J. Cotta, D.D  |  08/17/2025  |  From the Clergy

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we reflect on the challenges that we face in our present day and age: natural disasters, immigration concerns, political divisions, global unrest, war, uncertainties in the area of economics, health care, homelessness, etc., thank God, that within our Diocese of Stockton, we are blessed to have events that invite us to stop and reflect upon these concerns which impact us and our society. Our liturgical year provides us with a setting that enables us to turn to God for His grace and mercy in order to empower us to face the spiritual confrontations that the enemy lays before us on our pilgrim way.

Within our Diocese, we are blessed to have several religious celebrations in honor of our Lady and the saints, to ask their intercession to inspire and protect us on our pilgrim way. Besides the celebrations we have in honor of the Divine Mercy, San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod, we have parish communities that honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially, under the titles of Our Lady of La Vang, Virgen de los Lagos, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Assumption. This is such a blessing for our Diocese of Stockton! This August, I invite you to the beautiful annual Festa (Celebration) of Our Lady of Assumption, in Turlock. This particular religious celebration, in honor of Our Lady, is a grace-filled way to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope. The celebration is hosted by the parish community of Our Lady of Assumption. The Festa consists of a novena, candlelight procession, Sunday’s Festa Mass, which I have the honor to be the Principal Celebrant, and concludes with a Sunday evening solemn procession with the statues of the saints, including that of the patroness of the parish - Our Lady of Assumption. As I continue to entrust our diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I invite you, clergy and laity, to participate in and experience, this Marian Celebration. It promises to enhance one’s spiritual journey as Our Lady continues to lead us to Christ. This devotion to Our Lady, and the Church’s teaching on the Assumption, is truly hope for us, and for all of humanity, especially, during this Jubilee Year of Hope. May many graces be granted to us, as we face the worldly confrontations of our day and age. Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!

In the Peace of Christ,

Bishop Cotta