In Tribute
Bishop Emeritus Joseph N. Latino dies at age 83 Instrumental during formative years of the diocese Story by Janet Marcel Bishop Emeritus Joseph Nunzio Latino, who served as the 10th Bishop of Jackson, MS, died Friday, May 28, at the age of 83. The New Orleans native attended St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans by Archbishop John Cody in St. Louis Cathedral May 25, 1963. During his priesthood, Bishop Latino served in parishes in New Orleans, Metairie, Houma and Thibodaux. When the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was established in 1977, he was serving as pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, where he remained until 1987. Under his leadership, St. Bernadette became the largest parish in the newly established diocese, not only in size but also in the number and variety of services and ministries it offered. In 1983, Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor with the title of monsignor. He was appointed pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma in 1987 and served there until 2003. At the diocesan level in Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Latino served as defender of the bond, dean, consultor, fiscal officer, chancellor and vicar general. Bishop Latino was elected as diocesan administrator on Dec. 19, 2002, after Bishop Michael Jarrell, Second Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, was appointed as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette. Just a few short weeks later at a press conference on Jan. 3, 2003, the announcement was made that then Msgr. Latino had been appointed the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, MS. He was ordained a bishop and installed March 7, 2003, in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. Bishop Latino devoted his ministry as bishop to fostering 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2021
Gospel-based social justice initiatives, lay leadership and vocations. While he was bishop, the office for Protection of Children was established to help ensure a safe environment for children in church parishes, schools and communities. Under his leadership the church implemented the new English translation of the Roman Missal. He retired from active ministry Dec. 12, 2013. In his retirement he continued to minister through quiet prayer and reflection, sharing the wisdom he gained during his 59 years of priestly service and 83 years of life in Christ. The following is an excerpt from a story written by Louis Aguirre that appeared in the Oct. 19, 1988, issue of the Bayou Catholic newspaper. Msgr. Latino, who served the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux as director of the Office of Vocations from 1980 to 1985, can’t help but point out the key elements which led to his vocation – elements which he believes are greatly responsible for influencing others: The example of a priest, the influence of teachers and the love and encouragement of his family. “The priest I so much admired as a young altar boy was great with kids, says Msgr. Latino. “I remember he took us on a picnic at St. Joseph Seminary. When I saw the place, I knew I wanted to return to study for the priesthood there.” The
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