If you think strong conviction and traditional values have disappeared, meet Bishop Myron J. Cotta—a titan of faith and rectitude, steering the Diocese of Stockton amid secular storms. Born in Dos Palos, California, in 1953, Cotta stepped into the ordained life in 1987 as a priest for the Diocese of Fresno, and he's been making waves ever since his appointment by Pope Francis as the Bishop of Stockton in 2018. His role? To shepherd his flock through choppy waters of modern social trends while championing unwavering church values.
Now, let's break down what makes Bishop Cotta a formidable figure. First up, his prioritization of religious education is something that sets the foundation for long-lasting community values. He's not just pushing paper; he's an advocate for academic depth and doctrinal reinforcement, reinforcing the belief that education should elevate, not deviate from, core Christian tenets.
Second, Cotta stands as a beacon for traditional family values, which—believe it or not—are still the bedrock of strong communities. Unlike those quick to redefine family into anything but, he fiercely supports the traditional imprimatur where family is seated in God-led union. Marriage, to Bishop Cotta, isn’t a social experiment; it's a sacred covenant.
Third, he never shies away from controversial topics. Bishop Cotta is vocal about the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. A stance that's as bold as seeing a black-and-white movie in a world obsessed with color. As lines blur in the cultural discourse on when life begins and ends, his clear, unwavering stance provides moral clarity in a murky world.
Fourth, he has an ironclad commitment to social justice—focused not on what’s fashionable, but on what’s fundamentally right. He advances ethical social programs, steering clear from performative acts of charity. This involves speaking out against actual persecution and standing up for religious freedoms in a world that increasingly seems to narrow their scope.
Fifth on this list is Cotta's dedication to community outreach. Not content to be a silent figure, he actively engages with local parishes to foster an environment teeming with community spirit and welcoming initiatives. He’s a clear proponent of open doors and open hearts, but not open doctrine.
Six, he embraces economic sustainability, understanding that financial awareness within the church serves greater outreach missions. Critics dismiss organized religion’s involvement in areas such as economics, but here's a bishop who knows that fiscal responsibility can empower evangelism.
Seventh, his advocacy for vocations to the priesthood and religious life echoes long after the pulpit. Cotta focuses on calling others to a higher purpose, uncoiling the worldly anchor that many young adults find themselves tethered to, encouraging them to take up mantles of real significance and spiritual fulfillment.
Eighth, he’s a tireless defendant of ecclesiastical traditions. Far from being antiquated, these traditions are the guideposts for people adrift in today’s 'anything goes' culture. Sacraments, liturgies, and age-old practices highlight divine mystery while anchoring the community's faith compass.
Ninth on our dive into the dogged determination of Bishop Cotta is his involvement in interpreting scripture without the fashionable reinterpretation populating secular spaces. He's firm on biblical teachings without apology. His sermons are less about adapting scripture to modern shifts and more about holding the line.
Finally, his leadership in times of crisis, from health challenges like the recent pandemic to offering guidance through financial upheavals, aligns with a servitude-defining commitment to his parishioners. Bishop Cotta's shepherding isn't a cushy desk job—it’s an all-encompassing life mission.
So there you have it. Bishop Myron J. Cotta isn’t your run-of-the-mill spiritual leader. He’s the bulwark some might stubbornly resist but undeniably respect for standing his ground. This is a bishop not just holding a Bible but embodying it—and that’s what makes him compelling to those who choose faith over fad.