Joseph Nunzio Latino
      “To know Joseph Nunzio Latino is to know the joy of priesthood … a happy, prayerful and compassionate priest who has excelled in every single pastoral and administrative assignment entrusted to him. And he has done so lovingly and without fanfare. Not one to seek the spotlight … he has quietly, but quite effectively, built God’s kingdom wherever he has served.”
      Joseph Nunzio Latino is a native of New Orleans, born on Oct. 21, 1937. He attended St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, La., and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1963.
      His first assignment was associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales in Houma, La. He was assigned to St. John Prep Seminary in New Orleans as teacher and spiritual director in 1968-69.
      From 1969-1971 he was assigned to St. Philip the Apostle Church in New Orleans.
      He served as pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Houma, La., from 1972-1987. During the intervening years he served as vocation director for the Houma-Thibodaux diocese and was named a monsignor with the title prelate of honor in January 1983.
      He was named rector of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma in 1987. He also served as vicar general, chancellor, and administrator of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux before being appointed the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, Miss., on Jan. 3, 2003.
      He was ordained a bishop on March 7, 2003.
      Bishop Latino continues to ask for your prayers and support as we strive to accomplish the Lord Jesus’ desire “that all may be one.”
      And now a glimpse at the bishop “Up close and personal”
      Last book read — “Kite Runner”

Favorite male saint – St. Joseph

Favorite female saint – St. Therese, the Little Flower

Favorite city to visit – San Francisco

How many trips to Rome — 5

Person I’d like to invite to dinner – Pavoratti (before he died)

On my 75th birthday I’ll eat – Pasta

Most enjoyable holiday – Easter

Most cherished religious article – My chalice

Favorite place to pray – In chapel

When do I pray – Not often enough

Favorite artist or work of art – Pieta by Michaelangelo

Favorite childhood memory – Going to the country

Favorite class in high school – History

Who influenced my vocation – A priest and good nuns

Favorite season – Fall

Favorite type of music – Classical

Best part of job as bishop — Meeting and being with people

Best blessing — priesthood

Greatest challenge – Being a good shepherd

Do you have a wish? – Health, peace and joy

FEATURED PRIESTS

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