Un obispo de EE. UU. Encargado de abordar los problemas de inmigración ha presentado objeciones al anuncio del 26 de julio del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de EE. UU. De que comenzaría los procedimientos de “deportación acelerada”, o deportaciones aceleradas, de algunas familias inmigrantes que ingresaron ilegalmente a los EE. UU. no califica para el asilo.
En una declaración del 7 de agosto, el obispo auxiliar de Washington Mario E. Dorsonville, presidente del Comité de Migración de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU., Pidió al gobierno de Biden que “revierta el rumbo” en las expulsiones por vía rápida, pero también en otras medidas recientes. que se utiliza para frenar la inmigración.
“Trabajemos juntos como nación para acoger, proteger, promover e integrar a los migrantes de acuerdo con la dignidad que Dios les ha dado”, dijo el obispo Dorsonville en el comunicado, que también objetó una medida de salud pública que expulsa a los migrantes en la frontera, con la excepción de menores, citando preocupaciones de COVID-19.
La medida, conocida como Título 42, es una disposición de la ley de salud pública de Estados Unidos y fue activada por la administración Trump. La administración Biden lo ha mantenido en su lugar, diciendo que lo ha hecho bajo la guía de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades para mantener a raya la pandemia mientras la nación experimenta un aumento de la variante Delta.
“Conscientes de las preocupaciones de salud pública, alentamos las políticas respaldadas por fundamentos científicos sólidos y nos oponemos a las que tienen un impacto desigual en las familias, los niños y otras poblaciones vulnerables”, dijo el obispo Dorsonville.
Los defensores de la inmigración esperaban que se levantara el Título 42 para las familias a fines de julio, pero eso no sucedió. En cambio, la administración dijo que debido al aumento de migrantes y la falta de instalaciones para recibirlos y al mismo tiempo tener suficiente espacio para mantener a todos a salvo, era necesario seguir escuchando la guía de los CDC.
Las organizaciones católicas y los obispos han abogado por permitir la entrada a las familias migrantes, diciendo que enfrentan una serie de peligros.
“En este Año de San José, oramos para que el patrón de las familias interceda en nombre de las familias migrantes vulnerables, especialmente aquellas que viajan con niños y ancianos”, dijo el obispo Dorsonville.
El obispo también elogió los esfuerzos de la administración Biden para hacer que las vacunas sean más accesibles para los migrantes en la frontera, “lo cual es fundamental para limitar la propagación del COVID-19”.
LOS ÁNGELES (CNS) – Desde abril, el Centro de Convenciones de Long Beach ha albergado a niños migrantes sin ningún otro lugar adonde ir, mientras las autoridades buscaban a familiares adultos y patrocinadores en el país.
Casi 1.600 menores no acompañados de Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador, la mayoría de ellos huyendo de la violencia y la pobreza, han pasado los últimos meses viviendo allí.
La Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles solicitó con éxito comenzar a celebrar misas de fin de semana en el refugio en mayo. Pero ahora que el refugio está cerrando, las misas también tienen que llegar a su fin.
La última Misa del 18 de julio fue una celebración del próximo paso para estos niños, muchos de los cuales han sido colocados con familias patrocinadoras. Otros niños fueron enviados a vivir en la instalación de vivienda temporal de Pomona Fairplex en Pomona, California, aunque no se dieron detalles sobre cuántos niños fueron enviados a vivir con familias o a Pomona. Para los voluntarios que organizaron y llevaron a cabo las liturgias, fue un final agridulce para lo que describieron como un “ministerio intenso y significativo.”
“Al principio, sentí aprensión por la presencia en la Misa de tantos niños sin sus padres,” dijo Cynthia Marie Powell, quien se desempeñó como ministra extraordinaria de la Sagrada Comunión cada semana. “Sin embargo, cuando miré a los ojos de cada niño, sentí profundamente la presencia de Nuestro Señor y estaba muy consciente de su reverencia por el Santísimo Sacramento.”
Powell, descendiente de inmigrantes japoneses, mexicanos y galeses, dijo que se sintió atraída por trabajar con los niños migrantes en el refugio en parte para ayudarlos a comenzar de nuevo en Estados Unidos con sus familias y patrocinadores. “Encuentro que los inmigrantes se convierten en miembros trabajadores de la sociedad estadounidense,” le dijo a Angelus, el medio de comunicación de la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles.
Powell y los voluntarios tuvieron que hacer un trabajo importante por su cuenta para trabajar en el refugio, incluidas ocho horas de capacitación en el lugar, toma de huellas dactilares y pruebas de detección periódicas de COVID-19. Sin embargo, las recompensas emocionales y espirituales por este tiempo fueron inconmensurables, dijo Powell.
Los sacerdotes voluntarios, que celebraban las Misas dominicales, a menudo encontraron que los niños necesitaban otros sacramentos. Después de las Misas, varios niños hacían fila para confesarse y orar con los sacerdotes. “Conocí a una niña después de la Misa que había estado en el refugio unas semanas,” recordó uno de los sacerdotes voluntarios, el padre Budi Wardhana, pastor de la iglesia St. Lucy en Long Beach. “Pensé que ella quería el sacramento de la reconciliación, pero ella dijo: ‘No, padre, realmente extraño a mis padres.”
El padre Wardhana, que vino a Estados Unidos desde Indonesia en busca de asilo político en 1999, dijo: “Oré por ella. ¡Doy gracias a Dios por la oportunidad de llevar el gozo de Dios a estos niños que están sufriendo!”
El sacerdote reclutó a su amigo, Rafael Álvarez, un seminarista del Centro de Formación Sacerdotal Reina de los Ángeles, para que también lo ayudara. Álvarez y su familia emigraron a Estados Unidos desde México, lo que dijo que le da “un gran amor de una manera especial por nuestros hermanos y hermanas refugiados.” “Fue una bendición para mí poder ser parte de este viaje,” dijo el padre Wardhana “Al orar con los niños, me di cuenta que muchas veces todo lo que necesitaban era alguien que los escuchara. Aunque no somos familia, sabían que los queríamos.”
La comunidad se unió para ayudar a proporcionar comodidades en el refugio a los niños y suplir sus necesidades durante su estadía. La Sociedad de San Vicente de Paul organizó una campaña de artículos de tocador, recolectando casi 200 paquetes con pasta de dientes, cepillos de dientes, champú, artículos de higiene femenina y rosarios. También organizaron una celebración del Día de los Niños en el refugio y trajeron juguetes y un mago. Aunque su trabajo en el refugio ha terminado, Powell cree que su viaje con los niños migrantes está lejos de terminar.
Como abogada, trabaja pro-bono con el Proyecto de Derechos de los Inmigrantes Esperanza como defensora de los niños inmigrantes que tendrán que navegar por los procedimientos judiciales una vez que abandonen los refugios de emergencia federales. “Nunca olvidaré la profunda experiencia de estar junto a los niños migrantes para recibir la Sagrada Comunión,” dijo. “Rezo para que los niños migrantes centroamericanos que conocí en el centro puedan hacer una vida aquí con sus familias o patrocinadores”.
(Swenson escribe para Angelus, el medio de noticias de la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles.)
Los católicos en los Estados Unidos nos encontramos en medio de una conversación fascinante sobre la Eucaristía. Las temáticas que inspiran esta conversación, especialmente durante los últimos 20 años, son bien conocidas.
Algunas son preocupaciones pastorales claramente definidas: encuestas que indican que un gran sector de la población católica no cree en la Presencia Real o simplemente no entiende lo que esto significa; el número cada vez más reducido de católicos que van a la Misa dominical.
Otras son un tanto controversiales: propuestas que buscan limitar el acceso a la Comunión a algunos líderes políticos; filosofías divergentes sobre cómo traducir las oraciones litúrgicas y los leccionarios; el lugar de la Misa en latín en la experiencia católica después del Vaticano II — y los “motu propios” papales sobre este tema que para muchos parecen un tanto paradójicos.
Algunas son más positivas: la popularidad de la adoración eucarística entre muchos jóvenes católicos; las muchas practicas devocionales eucarísticas que son comunes entre los católicos inmigrantes.
Quien afirme que los católicos en los Estados Unidos no estamos interesados en la Eucaristía o insista en que el tema ya no es parte de nuestro imaginario católico como comunidad, seguramente va a tener que hacer un esfuerzo extra para argumental tales posiciones. La evidencia apunta de manera abundante hacia lo contrario.
Durante las últimas dos décadas ha surgido un universo de recursos dedicados a responder a las temáticas asociadas con la Eucaristía: libros, artículos, tesis, documentales, videos en el internet, guías catequéticas, homilías, cartas pastorales, conferencias, interacciones candentes en los medios de comunicación social, blogs, expertos que se han proclamado como tales, y ciertamente una que otra posición herética, entre muchos otros.
Todas estas conversaciones y recursos revelan una realidad bien interesante: Los católicos en los Estados Unidos somos una comunidad que de hecho está muy interesada en la Eucaristía. Por supuesto, unos más que otros.
El entusiasmo eucarístico, o al menos la curiosidad y la opinión, transciende el mundo estrictamente religioso. Medios de información masiva como The New York Times, The Associated Press, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News y otros con frecuencia abren sus espacios para cubrir conversaciones que los católicos tenemos sobre temas relacionados con la Eucaristía.
Los esfuerzos que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos lleva a cabo para estimular un interés renovado en la Eucaristía seguramente darán los frutos deseados. Lo importante es que los obispos y todos los católicos no perdamos de vista la dimensión global de estas conversaciones, histórica y pastoralmente.
Ya sea que declaren un tiempo jubilar eucarístico, inviten a una mayor renovación eucarística, promuevan más catequesis sobre la Eucaristía o produzcan documentos que inviten a una reflexión más sostenida, los obispos católicos se están uniendo a una conversación que ya ha estado en marcha por un buen tiempo. Como indiqué anteriormente, son muchas las conversaciones que hemos tenido sobre la Eucaristía en las últimas dos décadas.
Las temáticas que son parte de esta reflexión constante exigen de un discernimiento fundamentado en la oración. El discernimiento requiere humildad. Para poder entender los detalles y realidades que acompañan a cada una de estas temáticas se necesita tiempo y apertura al diálogo.
Parece que el Espíritu Santo nos quiere enseñar algo sobre la Eucaristía en nuestros días. Todos en la comunidad católica, en comunión con nuestros obispos, tenemos que escuchar. El escuchar es un aspecto esencial de la manera sinodal de proceder a la cual el papa Francisco ha invitado a nuestra iglesia. Tenemos que crear espacios para escuchar juntos la palabra de Dios y escucharnos mutuamente a medida con consultamos entre nosotros como discípulos.
Las conversaciones recientes sobre la Eucaristía son prometedoras: obispos debatiendo abiertamente sobre la naturaleza de un documento sobre este tema; artículos que reaccionan con serenidad y otros con sobresalto, especulando sobre lo que los obispos dirán o no dirán; grupos invitando a una renovación eucarística más intencional.
Nuestros obispos prometieron escuchar y avanzar consultas. Un grupo al cual no he visto todavía ser invitado de manera formal a estas consultas sobre la Eucaristía es el de los teólogos como miembros de organizaciones teológicas católicas. Hay varias de estas organizaciones en los Estados Unidos. Necesitamos sus contribuciones intelectuales e investigativas.
Los teólogos tienen mucho que decir públicamente sobre la Eucaristía. Invítenlos, dialoguen y consulten con ellos. Los teólogos son quizás el grupo de católicos mejor preparado, con la capacitación y la disciplina necesarias para analizar la complejidad de las preocupaciones sobre la Eucaristía que ocupan nuestro imaginario católico hoy en día.
(Hosffman Ospino es profesor de teología y educación religiosa en Boston College.)
Aunque algunas cifras muestran que las llegadas a la frontera están batiendo récords, un grupo de expertos en inmigración con sede en Nueva York dijo que la “población indocumentada del país se está reduciendo” según las cifras del censo.
Según las cifras de un informe del Center for Migration Studies en Nueva York, hubo una disminución del 12% entre 2010 y 2019. En 2010, la población de quienes se encuentran en los Estados Unidos ilegalmente se estimó en 11,73 millones y se redujo a 10,35 millones. para 2019, según el informe.
Gran parte de esto proviene de una caída en los ciudadanos mexicanos que se han ido voluntariamente, pero las cifras muestran que el país ha visto un aumento en los migrantes de América Central y Asia que viven en el país sin permiso legal. La organización dijo que las cifras provienen de datos recopilados en la Encuesta sobre la comunidad estadounidense realizada por EE. UU.
Oficina del Censo en 2019, el año más reciente disponible.
De los 10,35 millones sin documentos, el 38% de ellos (3,9 millones) son padres de ciudadanos estadounidenses; El 16% está casado con un ciudadano o residente permanente legal; 59% habla inglés bien, muy bien o solo inglés; y el 96% de la población activa está empleada, según el informe.
“Durante su permanencia cada vez más larga en los Estados Unidos, los inmigrantes indocumentados se han convertido en parte integral de las comunidades estadounidenses” con hasta un 43% residiendo en el país durante 15 años o más, dijo el Centro de Estudios Migratorios.
El informe también destacó la asombrosa desigualdad en la forma de vida de las personas que ingresaron a los EE. UU. Sin permiso legal: el 20% vive en el umbral de pobreza o por debajo de él, y la mitad, el 50%, no tiene seguro médico. También dijo que el 40% tiene menos de un diploma de escuela secundaria y el 14% no habla inglés.
En “Lo que debe saber sobre las poblaciones indocumentadas y elegibles para naturalizarse de los EE. UU.”, El centro desglosó los datos a nivel estatal y local.
En un comunicado de prensa sobre el informe, el centro dijo que “el hecho de que la población indocumentada de Estados Unidos se esté reduciendo proporciona un contexto importante para los medios y las narrativas políticas, que a menudo enfatizan las ‘crisis’ a corto plazo o afirman que Estados Unidos está ‘abrumado’ ‘. por inmigrantes “, incluso cuando ese no sea el caso.
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Una encuesta cuyos resultados fueron publicados el 5 de agosto por el Public Religion Research Institute mostró grandes diferencias entre los grupos religiosos en sus actitudes hacia recibir la vacuna COVID-19 para ellos mismos o sus hijos.
El cuarenta por ciento de los católicos blancos y el 48% de los católicos hispanos dijeron que han vacunado o van a vacunar a sus hijos, pero solo el 18% de los protestantes evangélicos blancos y el 27% de los protestantes hispanos dijeron que harán lo mismo. Los dos grupos protestantes son los menos propensos a hacerlo de todos los grupos encuestados en la encuesta.
Entre otros grupos, el 33% de los protestantes blancos principales, el 35% de los protestantes negros y el 35% de los no afiliados a ninguna religión “aceptan vacunas para sus hijos”, dijo PRRI.
A principios de este año, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos aprobó, y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades aprobaron la marcha, las vacunas contra el coronavirus de Pfizer, Moderna y Johnson & Johnson se administrarán a niños de tan solo 12 años, y se están realizando las pruebas. entre los niños más pequeños para determinar un nivel de dosis seguro para ellos.
Con el año escolar comenzando a ambos lados del Día del Trabajo para prácticamente todas las escuelas de EE. UU. En medio de una creciente controversia sobre los mandatos de mascarillas y vacunas, y el aumento de la variante Delta del virus que provocó los mandatos, los resultados son instructivos.
“Los enfoques basados en la fe que apoyan la adopción de la vacuna pueden influir en los padres para que se vacunen a sí mismos y a sus hijos”, dijo el PRRI en su informe, “Regreso a la escuela: padres, religión y vacunación contra COVID-19”.
Los ejemplos de enfoques basados en la fe que dio el informe incluyeron un líder religioso en el que los encuestados confiaban recibiendo una vacuna o alentándolos a vacunarse, una congregación religiosa cercana que albergaba una “clínica” emergente donde las vacunas estarían disponibles y una comunidad religiosa local proporcionando asistencia de personas para conseguir una cita para recibir una vacuna.
“Tres de cada diez padres con hijos menores de 18 años que aún no están vacunados (23%) indican que uno o más enfoques basados en la fe podrían ayudarlos a influir, y entre los padres vacunados, el 22% dijo que uno o más enfoques basados en la fe ayudó a convencerlos de que se vacunen “, dice el informe.
“Casi la mitad de los padres no vacunados que asisten a servicios religiosos al menos algunas veces al año (35%) dicen que los enfoques basados en la fe podrían convencerlos de vacunarse, en comparación con el 16% de los que rara vez o nunca asisten a servicios religiosos”, dijo. .
Los porcentajes fueron un poco menores entre los padres vacunados que asisten con frecuencia a servicios religiosos (39%) y que rara vez o nunca asisten a servicios religiosos (12%).
“Aunque las preguntas no se referían a decisiones relacionadas con las vacunas de los niños, está claro que algunos padres que dudan en vacunar a sus hijos podrían dejarse influir por enfoques basados en la fe para vacunarse ellos mismos”, dijo PRRI.
“Entre los padres no vacunados, el 31% que duda en vacunar a sus hijos y el 12% de los que dicen que se niegan a vacunar a sus hijos dicen que uno o más enfoques basados en la fe podrían convencerlos de que se vacunen ellos mismos. Estas proporciones son mayores entre los que asisten a servicios religiosos “, según el informe.
PRRI dijo que el 48% de los padres no vacunados que dudan en vacunar a sus hijos serían “susceptibles” a los enfoques basados en la fe, y el 24% de los que dicen que no vacunarán a sus hijos dicen que podrían dejarse influir por los enfoques basados en la fe.
Entre los que no asisten a servicios religiosos, el 21% de los padres no vacunados que dudan en vacunar a sus hijos y el 3% de los padres no vacunados que no vacunarán a sus hijos, dicen que los enfoques basados en la fe podrían ayudarlos a que se vacunen ellos mismos. decía el informe.
El porcentaje de quienes creen que deberían existir exenciones religiosas para las vacunas COVID está creciendo.
En enero pasado, el 73% se opuso a las exenciones religiosas para los niños que asisten a las escuelas públicas, en comparación con el 27% que los apoyó. La encuesta del PRRI, realizada del 2 al 23 de junio, encontró que la oposición a las exenciones se había reducido al 57%, y el apoyo aumentó al 42%. El número aumenta aún más al 50% para los padres de niños en edad escolar.
Entre los padres, el 69% de los republicanos están a favor de rechazar las vacunas por motivos religiosos, al igual que el 49% de los independientes y el 36% de los demócratas.
“Una razón para el salto en el apoyo a los rechazos de vacunas por motivos religiosos podría ser que el reciente lanzamiento de las vacunas COVID-19 para adolescentes en edad escolar fue una prioridad para los encuestados en junio, mientras que las preguntas sobre los requisitos de la vacuna COVID-19 para niños fueron no prevaleció en enero, a pesar de que la pregunta no especificó ninguna vacuna en particular “, dijo el informe.
La encuesta comenzó con una muestra aleatoria de 5,123 adultos mayores de 18 años que viven en los 50 estados que forman parte del Panel de conocimiento de Ipsos. Se agregaron a la muestra 382 que fueron reclutados por Ipsos utilizando paneles de encuestas opcionales para aumentar el tamaño de la muestra en los estados más pequeños. Se reclutó a 346 protestantes hispanos adicionales para aumentar el tamaño de la muestra entre este grupo. Todas las entrevistas se realizaron en línea.
– – –
(Nota del editor: la encuesta completa se puede encontrar en línea en https://bit.ly/3iw5IJx.)
RIPLEY – El Padre Clem Oya guio espiritualmente a candidatos a Confirmación en un retiro que se celebró el sábado 31 de Julio en Ripley. Los candidatos a confirmación son provenientes de St. Christopher en Pontotoc y St. Mathew en Ripley.
Rev. Adolfo Suárez-Pasillas appointed pastor of Forest St. Michael Parish and its mission, St. Anne in Newton; Paulding St. Michael Parish; and administrator of Centro Católico in Morton, effective August 25.
Msgr. Elvin Sunds
Rev. Msgr. Elvin Sunds appointed administrator for Greenville St. Joseph Parish, effective July 30.
Father Andrew Nguyen
Rev. Andrew Nguyen appointed Parochial Vicar, Greenville St. Joseph Parish, effective July 30.
Father Aaron Wiliams
Rev. Aaron Williams granted a temporary leave of absence, effective July 30.
Bishop Emeritus Joseph N. Latino: The man, the priest and the bishop
By Mary Woodward It is impossible to capture the character and wisdom of Bishop Joseph Nunzio Latino in these few pages dedicated to him. One would need a few tomes to really explain his deep and abiding love for the Lord and the church, his dedication to his priesthood and his commitment to serving God’s people.
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Latino on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle after being ordained the 10th Bishop of Jackson on March 7, 2003. (Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier, Bayou Catholic)
+Joseph would not want attention drawn to him and his accomplishments. Rather, as he asked for in his funeral instructions, he would want it to be about priesthood – about priestly ministry, about the life of a priest – because that was his life. +Joseph was about serving God’s people as a priest in Christ Jesus. He loved his flock and the flock loved him, which was evident by the outpouring of kind words at his death. He loved his priesthood and wanted to live his life as a simple parish priest. +Joseph embodied the ministry of presence. Being present for God’s flock in good times and bad times was the central element of that ministry. Priests are present for baptisms, First Communions, as witnesses of marriages and offering prayers at hospital bedsides. They become a part of the fabric of family life for parishioners. Families in Houma would include him in birthdays and graduations – even family vacations. Other moments of presence in a priest’s life contain profound occasions of despair and sorrow in which, priestly service is challenged at its core. One vivid moment of presence he shared was on his first assignment after ordination as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales in Houma, which was still part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1963. The pastor, Msgr. Gerald Frey, who went on to become Bishop of Savannah and then Lafayette, asked him to go be present with a family in the parish because the military was sending two officers to inform them of the death of their son in Vietnam. +Joseph never could forget the harrowing scream that poured forth from the boy’s mother. But he was there, quietly offering solace to the inconsolable. The ministry of presence is a double-edged sword. +Joseph accepted this and lived his life in the reality of that. He dedicated himself to God’s people no matter who they were and led them to Christ by mirroring Christ to them each day. As said above, he only wanted to be a parish priest, but God had other plans and called him through the Holy Spirit to episcopal service. In those 10 years of active service, he continued to be present to the flock even in the face of health issues which eventually took their toll. In his eight years of retirement, he offered a different form of presence for the diocese. He celebrated Mass daily in his small chapel for the needs of the diocese, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for a long list of people who had asked him to pray for them. He became spiritually present when he was not able to be physically present. His last Mass in his chapel was on the occasion of his ordination anniversary on May 25. Once again, he united his prayers with the prayers of the church in thanksgiving and in anticipation of the life that was to come for him as he neared that moment still carrying the pains of this life as his cross.
What many may not realize is that bishops come in with bundles of energy and ideas, and after several years of travel, personnel issues, administrative responsibilities, and heavy-laden decisions, they start to wear out. It is a very rewarding ministry but an extremely difficult ministry. +Joseph was weary, but he took all in quiet stride until the Lord called him home. In these pages we are sharing reflections from his brother bishops and from the homilies shared at his wake and funeral; other pages will be devoted to aspects of his episcopal ministry – preaching the Gospel, lifting up the oppressed, and striving for justice. +Joseph was a humble servant with a great passion for justice and indefatigable compassion for the poor and marginalized. He chose as his episcopal motto ‘That All May Be One’ from Jesus’ prayer for his disciples in John chapter 17, and he spent his 18 years as bishop trying to bring people together in Christ. When Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of the Priest from June 2009 to June 2010, +Joseph wrote a pastoral letter entitled: “Faithful and Wise Stewards: A Letter to Priests of the Diocese of Jackson.” It was released on Sept. 8, 2009. We are sharing snippets of that pastoral throughout this edition and will make the entire text available on the diocesan website. We hope these few pages give our readers a better insight into the life of the man, the priest, and the bishop.
Welcome to your true and eternal home, Bishop Latino
(Editor’s note: Below is the homily that Msgr. Elvin Sunds delivered at the vigil Mass for Bishop Joseph N. Latino on June 8, 2021 at the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in Jackson.) By Monsignor Elvin Sunds JACKSON – When I was a seminarian, we would gather in the seminary chapel every day for morning prayer and again for evening prayer. The chapel was a large Romanesque structure with columns, arches, and a high vaulted ceiling. Much like this Cathedral. One day when we came for prayer, we discovered that a bird had somehow found its way into the chapel. It would fly from column to column, briefly landing, chirping, and taking off again. It added entertainment and a bit of joy to our prayer. This went on for several days. Then one day, the bird was gone. It had somehow found its way to freedom. As mysteriously as it had appeared, it disappeared. But we all know a bird is not created to fly inside a building. It is meant to soar outside in the unlimited freedom of the open sky. Nevertheless, we enjoyed its brief visit. Life is like that. We are created by a loving God and are born one day. We spend a limited number of days on this earth enjoying life and loving each other. But we are created for so much more … so much more. We are created to live forever with an infinitely loving God. Our days on earth are brief. They are spent preparing for eternity by loving God and by loving and serving our fellow human beings. Then, one day we are called from this earth to return home to our loving God forever.
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Msgr. Elvin Sunds and Bishop Latino enjoy a moment after Sunds retirement Mass at St. Therese Parish. Msgr. Sunds served as vicar general for Bishop Latino for nine years and was privileged to know his friendship for many more. (Photo from Archives)
Bishop Joseph Latino was born in 1937 and ordained a priest in 1963. Most of his priestly ministry was spent in Houma-Thibodeau, Louisiana. He was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson in 2003. I had the privilege of working with Bishop Latino for nine years as his Vicar General. I am also privileged to enjoy his friendship for many more years. He was a humble, gentle, and kindly bishop. He chose as his episcopal motto, “That all may be one.” The motto comes from the Gospel passage that was just proclaimed. In that Gospel Jesus is praying for his disciples, and he also prays, “For those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Jesus’ prayer is that through the proclaiming of the Gospel, may we all share together in the life of God as one. That was the motto and the focus of Bishop Latino’s episcopal ministry. He wanted all of us to be one in Christ Jesus. He promoted that unity in Christ. During his years as bishop, he proclaimed and spread the Gospel in many ways. He promoted lay ministry and helped establish programs to educate and prepare lay persons for ministry in the church. He appointed many Lay Ecclesial Ministers to oversee parishes and missions that did not have a full-time pastor. He promoted religious vocations. He reinstated a formation program for the Permanent Diaconate. During his tenure several men were ordained to the priesthood for the diocese. He also welcomed international priests to proclaim the Gospel and help serve parishes in the diocese that otherwise might not have a priest. During his tenure, the office for the Protection of Children was established to help insure a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults in churches, schools and communities.
NEW ORLEANS – On May 25, 1963, Joseph Latino (center) prepares to enter St. Louis Cathedral to be ordained a priest by then-Archbishop John P. Cody. His first priestly assignment was as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales in Houma, La., from 1963-1968.
As Bishop, he promoted Gospel-based social justice. He publicly addressed such issues as racism, the rights of immigrants, care for the poor, the death penalty and the right to life of the unborn. The Diocese of Jackson was blessed by the ministry of Bishop Latino. He was a gentle and kind shepherd who loved us. He lived up to his motto proclaiming and spreading the Gospel so that we all may be one in Christ Jesus. We are thankful for the gift of his ministry, his leadership and his friendship. We thank the Lord for the years we enjoyed his loving service as our Shepherd. But like the bird in the seminary chapel, he was created for so much more. So, we commend him to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. May Jesus Christ welcome him and say, “Well done good and faithful servant. Welcome home to the place prepared for you for all eternity. Welcome to your true and eternal home.” Amen.
The Shepherd and the Sheep: Bishop Latino at Parchman Penitentiary
By Father Tim Murphy He always began his visits in the upper tiers of the cell block, with his suit jacket laid on a grimy railing and his Roman collar tucked into his shirt pocket for relief from the stifling heat. Each man received the same greeting, “Good morning, I’m Joe Latino. I’ve been praying for you. I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes.”
Father Tim Murphy
Few men said no. Most of the inmates already recognized him from the widely distributed diocesan newspaper, Mississippi Catholic. This led to one of Bishop Latino’s favorite stories. He approached a new arrival and gave his usual greeting. The man sat silently on his bunk, looking directly at the Bishop. He did not respond but walked to the cell bars and said, “Yeah, I know who you are, I got your mug shot right here,” as he showed the Bishop his “official” newspaper column photo. The inmate said, “You gotta get a new picture. You look a whole lot better in person!” The Bishop could work a crowd. He said, “Ya’ think so? I got some people who think I look worse!” He loved to have someone ask, “Bishop where you from? You talk kinda’ funny.” His standard reply was, “Where you think I am from?” Invariably, they guessed “Somewhere up North. Maybe Brooklyn.” Other guys would add, “Yeah, you sound like those guys in the movies from New York City.” Their guesses allowed him to respond with “full-bore” New Orleans-accent (as he tried to speak while laughing) “MAN WHAT YOU TALKIN ‘BOUT? Brooklyn?! New York City!? I’m from New Orleans!!“ He distributed prayer cards of Saint Joseph, introducing him as the adopted father of Jesus, explaining that the Saints are available as intercessors. He said, “I think men need to understand Saint Joseph.” His sincerity carried the conversation. He was at home among the men, holding their hands as they prayed. If a man asked to pray for him, Bishop Latino simply bowed his head.
JACKSON – Bishop Latino addresses participants at Catholic Day at the Capitol before entering the building to advocate for adequate funding of education and state mental health services on Jan. 26, 2011. (Photo from Archives)
In the last years of his visits to Parchman, Bishop Latino was slowed by poor health and in obvious pain. Still he insisted on making the same rounds, climbing the steps and visiting all the men. He was well-known among the correction officers and staff. They offered to drive him to the units or arrange for a motorized cart. He always declined, saying, “You are so kind, but I would like to walk there just like you do every day.” One time, 50 inmates from Dismas, the Catholic prison ministry, had been waiting over two hours to attend Mass when Bishop Latino discovered that his Vestments were sequestered in another unit about two miles away. He saw the makeshift Altar, the Sacramentary, chalice and paten, bread and wine and the Lectionary, and said, “We’re all set. It’s OK. I can celebrate Mass in a T-shirt if I have to. These men have been waitin’ long enough.” As can only happen in true stories, a deputy warden delivered the vestments one minute later, and he stayed for the Mass.
JACKSON – Bishop Latino and other members of the Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference (MRLC) called for an end to the death penalty on Thursday, April 21, 2011, during a press conference at the state Capitol. The faith leaders said they were moved to speak out after the Mississippi Supreme Court announced the day before that two men on death row would be executed during the month of May 2011.
In all his visits to Parchman, Bishop Latino encouraged the inmates. He assured them that their lives could be redeemed in Christ, even after years of isolation and rejection in the poor conditions of the prison. Walking among them, telling stories, he said, “The Lord understands. He is with you. Trust in that.” When the Mass ended, the deputy warden asked me, “Is that guy really a Bishop? He connects with these guys.” I assured him that he was. Years before Pope Francis’ famous remark, Joe Latino understood that the Good Shepherd must be close with his flock, close enough even to take on the smell of his sheep.
Latino’s advocacy for life
By Mary Woodward JACKSON – During his tenure, much of which coincided with the tenure of Gov. Haley Barbour, Bishop Joseph Latino was outspoken on issues reflecting the church’s teaching on the consistent ethic of life. Gov. Barbour knew each time an execution was scheduled at Parchman he would be getting a letter and a phone call from Bishop Latino. Bishop Latino also worked with other faith leaders on initiatives around immigration reform, children’s health and safety, payday lending practices, and better access to health care. In 2013, he was awarded the Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference’s Founders’ Award for his commitment to eradicating the death penalty and his advocacy for better healthcare for the working poor. Bishop Latino followed the axiom that the Gospel “afflicted the comfortable and comforted the afflicted.” This wisdom fueled his efforts to speak out for justice. Below are sections from various statements he issued to public officials advocating for better conditions for the poor and marginalized.
Bishop Latino and other pro-life supporters gathered at the abortion clinic in Jackson for the Forty Days of Life Campaign to end abortion on Feb. 24, 2007.
Letter to Gov. Haley Barbour – May 2008 With all due respect, I must say that I am disappointed and dismayed at the passage of the Mississippi Employment Protection Act (SB 2988) by our State Legislators and by your signing of it into law. This law is an affront to basic human dignity and even more the dignity of the human family. It is unfortunate that little thought or concern was given to the fact that now more and more children born in this country will be taken away from the arms of their mothers and fathers and become the wards of the State. It is a sad statement on our character as a state when politics steps on the most vulnerable members of our society – our children.
JACKSON – Bishop Latino reads a prayer during a memorial service for 9/11 victims on Sept. 9, 2011 at the state Capitol sponsored by the Institute for Interfaith Dialoge (IID). (Photo by Rogelio V. Solis, The Associated Press)
Payday Lending Reform – January 7, 2011 Payday Lending Reform is an ethical and moral issue that the State of Mississippi desperately needs to address. Payday lending businesses currently exist in practically every community in our State. These businesses operate outside the Small Loan Act and often charge exorbitant amounts of interest to those who borrow from them at times exceeding 500% annually. As most of their clients are poor, these businesses entrap individuals in a vicious cycle of borrowing and indebtedness. We recognize the need for poor people to have an opportunity to borrow small amounts of money to make ends meet, but we should not allow lending businesses to prey on those living in poverty.
JACKSON – Bishop Latino called the right to express religious values in the public arena “part of our religious liberty” at a press conference on the steps of the state Capitol on Feb. 29, 2012. He also spoke on public issues such as the welfare of children and immigration, as well as the myriad of other challenges facing the state saying these issues “have strong moral dimensions.” (Photos from Archives)
Catholic Day at the Capitol – Feb. 29, 2012 As Catholics we have a responsibility to the Gospel message to love God and love our neighbor. We certainly fulfill this responsibility by ensuring that proposed legislation respects these fundamental ideals and principles rooted in Sacred Scripture and the teachings of our Catholic church: namely – the life and dignity of the human person, the call to family and community, the rights and responsibilities that come with freedom, the option for the poor and vulnerable in our midst, solidarity with the suffering, and caring for God’s creation. Surely public issues such as the expansion of Medicaid, the welfare of children and immigration, as well as the myriad of other challenges facing our state have strong moral dimensions. Indeed, the well-being of our citizenry should be at the forefront of all legislation. As Catholics we must always defend the dignity of the human person and the dignity of the family. The moral voice of religious leaders and people of faith is paramount to forming the conscience of our nation. Indeed, our country through its tradition of diverse religious faiths is enhanced and enriched when these faiths contribute their values to civic life and public debate.
JACKSON – At a special legislative session hearing at the Mississippi Capitol on Aug. 23, 2012, Bishop Latino talked against the need to enact legislation that threatens human dignity by forcing immigrants to live in fear and in hiding, by separating children from parents, and by keeping parents from seeking health care for their children because of fear. (Photo from Archives)
Legislative hearing on immigration – Aug. 23, 2012 As a faith leader and a Christian, I express my deep concern about the growing climate of an anti-immigrant attitude developing in our communities and in the halls of State government. I am very distressed by efforts directed at passing legislation that threaten the dignity of the human person and the basic human rights that we attach to the dignity of the family unit. We do not need to enact legislation that threatens this sacred dignity by forcing human beings to live in fear and in hiding, by separating children from parents, and by keeping parents from seeking health care for their children because of fear. Moreover, on a practical level, such legislation will place a greater obligation for enforcement on already stressed personnel and a greater strain on already limited resources available for law enforcement. As a faith leader I call upon you to refrain from drafting and enacting legislation that will adversely affect our local communities and businesses. “Medicaid Expansion” – December 10, 2012 before the Mississippi State Senate Public Health and Insurance Committees Within the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2288), it is written that: “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living conditions that allows them to grow.” Among these conditions include food, clothing, housing and health care. From this faith tradition, we come here today to urge the state legislature to support Medicaid Expansion. The following reasons underscore how expansion will serve to create a healthier and prosperous society: First: Medicaid Expansion will connect 310,000 Mississippians to health insurance Second: The majority of people benefitting from Medicaid Expansion are the working poor. Bishop Latino cared about the above issues and so much more, speaking out against injustice and advocating for those silenced by life experiences, systemic oppression, generational poverty and a myriad of things that stifle God’s vision “that all may be one.”
Bishop Latino presents Nelson Marroquin from Canton his certificate of completion for level one of the SEPI leadership training. SEPI is a lay leadership training organization that supports the Hispanic Catholic community in the Southeastern United States. (Photo from Archives)
Our steadfast servant answered the call
(Editor’s note: Below is the homily that Bishop Kopacz delivered at the Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop Joseph N. Latino on June 9, 2021.) By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D. My first encounter with Bishop Latino was at the airport in Jackson when I arrived the night before I was announced as the 11th Bishop of Jackson on Dec. 12, 2013. He was there to welcome me. He had a very broad smile knowing that his successor was real and had arrived. His gracious and welcoming spirit remained constant over these past seven and a half years in many ways. There were some light moments even before arriving. Some mistook his middle name, Nunzio, for nuncio, and they thought I was following the Apostolic Delegate. Others observed that my facility with the Spanish language will serve me well because I was replacing a Latino. Oh well. Ut Unum Sint – That all may be one The unity that Bishop Latino’s episcopal motto proclaimed is at the center of the great priestly prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. This prayer has its source and summit in the unity that Jesus Christ has with the Father and the Holy Spirit, a mystery woven throughout the Gospel of John that so inspired Bishop Latino as seen in his Gospel selection for today’s Mass. The Gospel of John begins sublimely: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” In the middle of the Gospel at the Last Supper the washing of the feet commences with the bold assertion that “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from his supper, laid aside his garments, and tied a towel around himself.” Toward the end of the Gospel on the night of the resurrection Jesus breathed into his apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit, after embracing them in peace and saying to them, “as the Father has sent me so I send you.” His apostles, anointed in the Holy Spirit and consecrated in the truth for mission, were sent to preach the Gospel as a living body, in all of their diversity. They were one!
Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino and newly ordained Bishop Joseph Kopacz get down to business in his first week on the job in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Archives)
In his Episcopal motto and in his choice of the Gospel for today’s funeral liturgy, we find the core of Bishop Latino’s vocation to the priesthood culminating in his consecration as the 10th Bishop of Jackson. Today’s Gospel passage is under the heading “The authority of the Son of God.” “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life … For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” There is no doubt that Bishop Latino lived his priestly vocation with a deep sense of the Lord’s call and authority over his life. Throughout his 58 years and two days in the priesthood of Jesus Christ he served with the heart of the Good Shepherd, to build up his body, the church, for the salvation of all, with that graciousness we heard at the end of the passage from Thessalonians: “Encourage one another, and build one another up.” Like the prophet Jeremiah he felt the Lord’s call to the priesthood from his youth. Like Jeremiah, there were daunting challenges as one can expect when coming forward to serve the Lord as the Book of Sirach soberly states, but once Bishop Latino put his hand to the plow he did not look back. He was ordained in 1963 in the middle of the Second Vatican Council. Just when he thought he had all the answers after 12 years of seminary formation, in a matter of two or three years, the church and the world changed most of the questions. Obviously, he dug deeper and in the words of Sirach he set his heart and remained steadfast, by the grace of God. Forty years later, after steadfastly serving in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as vicar general and pastor of the Cathedral for many years, he was anticipating downsizing in his priestly duties, so to speak, like maybe a smaller parish. Oh well! The phone rang; he took the call, and answered the call, and once again he set his heart right and remained steadfast, and moved north to become the 10th Bishop of this amazing diocese. Bishop Latino had come forward to serve the Lord early in life, and steadfastness endured as a defining virtue of his character and his priesthood, a mindset that motivated him to work in the Lord’s vineyard in a variety of pastoral ministries, to achieve that unity for which the Lord Jesus prayed and laid down his life. Over his ten years as Bishop of Jackson, the Lord brought forth new growth, fruit that lasts to this present moment. Of course, in his unassuming matter he might say, I just stayed out of God’s way. St. Pope John Paul II on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of ordination wrote a reflection on his priesthood entitled, Gift and Mystery. In chapter seven, he asks: Who is the priest? What does it mean to be a priest? He recalled the words of St. Paul. “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy.” (1Cor. 4:1-2) We give joyful thanks for Bishop Latino’s trustworthy service for nearly six decades, for years in the fullness of his strength and as time passed accepting the changes in his health that humbled him, in the words of Sirach, our first reading. In his retirement, at times, he grieved the physical limitations that prevented him from serving more actively in the diocese, but at the foot of the Cross his ministry of prayer and presence was a treasure for us. His early monastic formation served him well in his later years. Through it all he trusted in the Lord who called him from his youth, and in holy fear, grew old in God. My final encounter with Bishop Latino was sitting at his bedside within hours of his death, softly saying the rosary and praying the Night Prayer, as he slowly passed from this world to the next. I spoke the words that he no longer could. Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to all the nations; the glory of your people Israel. This is the cornerstone of Night Prayer that all priests offer at day’s end, reminding us of who is the master, and whose glory is at work. I trust that as Bishop Latino’s body wasted away, his inner self was being renewed every day, in the words of St. Paul. What is seen is transitory, what is unseen is eternal. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual life shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Journeys and travels near and far
By Mary Woodward JACKSON – As a child growing up in New Orleans, Bishop Joseph Latino’s early travels involved trips across Lake Ponchartrain with his Uncle Joseph Tusa to 80 acres of land Tusa owned in Abita Springs, Louisiana. This was a big adventure for a second-generation Sicilian living in the city. Being a part of the land was in both’s blood. Tusa, an immigrant from Northern Italy, grew various crops, had cattle and chickens, and enjoyed being in the country. Bishop Latino recalled a couple of summers when his uncle grew watercress, which was carefully packed in barrels and shipped to restaurants along the East Coast of the United States. His next adventure across the lake was when he decided to enter the seminary at St. Benedict, La., at St. Joseph where he would spend the next six years growing in faith and knowledge. He cherished his time with the monks before moving back to New Orleans to complete his seminary training at Notre Dame.
NEW YORK – Bishops gathered at Yankee Stadium for Pope Benedict’s Mass on Sunday, April 20, 2008. Before Mass, Bishop Latino laughs after telling his brother bishops that they could keep the cap, but had to turn in the jersey. (Photos courtesy of Archives)
Bishop Latino spent most of his priesthood in the Houma area where he was much loved by parishioners. He became close with a couple of families, and they included him in most celebrations as well as on vacations and travels. He spoke of several trips with the family and a couple of priest friends to Vail, Colorado and even St. Moritz for skiing adventures. Yes, he was a great skier. On one such trip, Bishop recalled he was slaloming down an advanced run, when a young woman with less skills was crossing his path. To not run over her, he had to veer quickly and caught a toe. As he tumbled down the mountain, he heard their guide call out for him to hold on. In his practical manner, he yelled back “to what?!” Bishop survived the fall with only a broken wrist, which was fitted for a cast by molding it around a ski pole so he could continue skiing for the duration of the trip. When he was named a monsignor in 1983, the parish gave him a trip to Europe with two priest friends. The three-week trip began in Rome and made its way to Venice, Salzburg and ultimately Amsterdam. Bishop told of the hotel in Venice being next to the opera house. The opera was not in season, but many of the artists would practice in the early evening. So, the three friends could purchase a bottle of wine, bread and cheese and have a mini concert each night with the hotel windows open. Other travels took him to Mexico where he and his traveling brothers took in more opera with a performance of Rigoletto by the local opera company. Bishop remembered a man in the audience being so distraught over the death if Gilda that he started sobbing and screaming “Gilda” over and over. Bishop remarked later: “everyone knows Gilda dies in Rigoletto and that in most operas everyone dies at the end. That’s Opera!” He fondly remembered a cross-country trip to the wine country in California where many of the winery heads knew his father who was in the wholesale liquor business. He and his traveling companions got special tours of the area. When he became Bishop of Jackson in 2003, his first ad limina trip to Rome followed in December of 2004. This was the winter before Pope now St. John Paul II died in April 2005. Bishop along with Bishop William Houck and Msgr. Michael Flannery, vicar general at the time, had a private audience with the pontiff. Bishop had 15 minutes alone with the future saint. In 2006, the Diocese sponsored a tour to Rome and Assisi for the 500th anniversary of the Vatican Museum collections. Bishop Latino led the tour and celebrated Mass for the pilgrims in the four major basilicas of the church and in the church where St. Francis is buried. There were two more trips to Rome for Bishop Latino before his retirement. In 2008, he and Bishop Houck went for the pallium ceremony on June 29, for Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile. A pallium is a special vestment worn around the neck by archbishops. The wool used to make the vestment is placed over the bones of St. Peter beneath the main altar of St. Peter Basilica. The final trip to Rome was in February 2012 for an ad limina with Pope Benedict XVI. At the end of the trip, we added four days in Sicily. Bishop was able to visit his ancestral home and celebrate Mass in the church of his grandparents. It was a spiritual pilgrimage for him, and he came away energized and happy.
Bishop William Houck; Sotir Ferrara, Eparch of Piana degli Albanesi in Sicily; Bishop Joseph Latino; and Father George, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Contessa Entellina; pose after Mass. Annunciation is the home parish of Bishop Latino’s grandparents who emigrated to New Orleans in the late 1800s.
In his retirement years, his travels were confined mainly to priest anniversaries and funerals. He kept a low profile while maintaining a strong spiritual connection to the diocesan church and the flock through prayer. His last journey began the morning of May 27 and concluded in the early morning hours of May 28. Unlike his other travels shared with friends, he made this journey alone – although I imagine there was a large gathering of souls waiting to greet him at his final destination. Rest in peace, +Joseph.
(Bishop Houck, Mary Woodward, and Bishop Latino, pause for a visit to the ancient statue of St. Peter the Apostle in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. The trio were participating in the 2008 visit to the Vatican for the Pallium ceremony for Archbishop Thomas Rodi, Metropiltan Archbishop of Mobile.
From the shoreline of Sferracavallo, Sicily, Bishop Latino reflects on his grandparents’ voyage to America. The spot where he was standing would have been one of their last views of their homeland before heading across the Atlantic to New Orleans.
Bishop Latino surveys the restoration of 11th-century Byzantine mosaics in La Martorana, co-cathedral for the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi, in Palermo, Sicily. The church was undergoing extensive renovations during Bishop Latino’s 2012 visit to Sicily.
Bishops Latino and Houck look out over Sferracavallo, a fishing village outside Palermo on the Mediterranean, during the 2012 visit to Bishop Latino’s ancestral homeland of Sicily.
Houma-Thibodaux remembers Bishop Latino
By Janet Marcel, Bayou Catholic HOUMA, La. – Bishop Emeritus Joseph Nunzio Latino, who served as the 10th Bishop of Jackson, 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 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. 11, 2003, the announcement was made that then Msgr. Latino had been appointed the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson. 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 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.
HOUMA, La. – A memorial Mass was celebrated in honor of Bishop Emeritus Joseph N. Latino at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma on Saturday, June 19. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and priests of the diocese. Msgr. Frederic Brunet, former classmate in the seminary, brother priest and close friend of the bishop was the homilist. People from all across the diocese who were parishioners and friends of the late bishop were in attendance. (Photos courtesy of Bayou Catholic)
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 Houma-Thibodaux 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 monsignor says he was greatly influenced by the happiness, excitement and vigor which the priest exuded. Also influencing his decision were the Mount Carmel Sisters who taught at St. James Major. “They made me think about my vocation and guided me in the right path,” says Msgr. Latino. Equally important in fostering a vocation for Msgr. Latino was the example set by his parents and family. “My family is very religious,” he says, “and they encouraged me to be a responsible altar boy. There is no doubt for me that my family had a strong influence in my vocation … not by forcing it, but by encouraging it.” Msgr. Donald Ledet, retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux who was ordained to the priesthood the same day as Bishop Latino, says he was very active and talented. “Bishop Latino was the kind of guy that everybody wanted to have as a friend. He liked to enjoy life; he joked and played around a lot, but when it was time to get serious, he could do that, too. For most of his priestly life, Bishop Latino was close to the ‘power,’ the bishop and the operations of the diocese. He was a very capable man, active at the Pastoral Center, and he served in many leadership roles.” Jerome Daigle, longtime parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma and personal friend of Bishop Latino, says he attended St. Joseph Seminary for four years of high school and one year of college with Bishop Latino from 1951 until 1956. One special memory he has is of Bishop Latino baptizing his second daughter while he was serving as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma from 1963-1968. Daigle says as his pastor, Bishop Latino was very open to suggestions from his parishioners. Daigle was a member of the finance council when the cathedral was being renovated, and he recalls Bishop Latino working very well with the members of the council. “He was very loved by the faithful. I remember that he had a strong devotion to Mary, and he was very committed to saving the unborn. He was a very good friend. He had a great sense of humor. My family and I felt very comfortable when we were with him. We had him over occasionally for dinner and to visit. He was very much a family man … was always close to his own family.” Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, says he and Bishop Latino met for the first time at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, when Bishop Latino entered at the age of 14 in 1951. At that time, Msgr. Brunet was 17 years old and beginning his third year of study. “We just liked each other from the start and that was beginning of a lifelong friendship,” says Msgr. Brunet. “We did all kinds of things together at St. Ben’s and then at Notre Dame Seminary. We even went on vacations together with other seminarians.” They were assigned to teach together at St. John Prep High School Seminary in St. Teresa parish in New Orleans for about 5-6 years. They were also in charge of the boarding students there.
HOUMA, La. – Bishop Latino’s family members gathered at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales for a memorial Mass on Saturday, June 19. People from all across the diocese who were parishioners and friends of the late bishop were in attendance. (Photos courtesy of Bayou Catholic)
When the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was being established, Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, its first bishop, formed a committee to make decisions about things like who was going to be the vicar general, chancellor, vicars forane, what different departments and offices were needed, etc. The committee consisted of Msgr. Brunet, Bishop Latino, Msgr. Francis Amedee, Msgr. John Newfield, Msgr. William Koninkx, Msgr. James Songy and Msgr. Albert Bergeron. Msgr. Brunet says it was an interesting and fun adventure working alongside Bishop Latino, and the others, during the formative years of the diocese. In addition to working on various committees together through the years, sometimes the two pastors would get together after their day’s work was done and go out for pizza, and for many years they played golf together at least once a week. “Joe was a great friend and a wonderful priest. He would help anyone any way he could. He was just a wonderful person … warm, kind, gentle and helpful. He had a good sense of humor, was a great storyteller and loved to entertain others. He had a way of bringing people together. His episcopal motto, ‘That All May Be One,’ was perfect because that’s the kind of person he was.” Msgr. Brunet says of Bishop Latino, “There was one thing you always knew for sure about him … maybe you could doubt whether he was right or wrong about something, but … there was no doubt about his integrity, his sincerity and his dedication to the truth.”
(Printed with permission of Bayou Catholic, magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux)
John and Theresa Latino with their son, Joseph, at his diaconate ordination in 1962; 2. With Deacon Frank Agosta and Mary Woodward at the diocesan 175th anniversary celebration in 2012; 3. With parishioners of St. Joseph in Woodville in 2012; 4. Imparting a blessing on his parents after his ordination in 1963; 5. Archbishop John Cody lays on hands at ordination in 1963; 6. Joseph Latino as a teenager in New Orleans; 7. First official portrait in 2003 (Lawrence Chatagnier); 8. Ad limina visit with St. John Paul II in 2004; 9. Celebrating Mass at Sacred Heart in Louisville with Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose.
Greeting the family of Father Juan Chavajay at his ordination in 2012; 11. Incensing altar at diocesan 175th celebration in 2012; 12. In the office with Father Benny Piovan discussing the Cristo Rey Church dedication in Saltillo, Mexico in 2010; 13. First Solemn Blessing concluding his first Mass on May 26, 1963; 14. Visiting St. Elizabeth School in Clarksdale in 2012; 15. Visiting parishioners in Saltillo, Mexico on Oct. 2, 2010; 16. 80th birthday celebration at the chancery on Oct. 21, 2017. (Photos from Archives)
PEARL – Sadly, Stacy Wolf the director of faith formation for St. Jude parish suddenly passed away on Wednesday, July 7. Stacy dedicated herself to passing on our Catholic faith to children, teens and their families at St. Jude for the past 11 years. Through her work she evangelized so many young souls. Her funeral was held on Saturday, July 10 at the parish. She will be greatly missed! (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)
WASHINGTON (CNS) – A page on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops answers a series of questions regarding the bishops’ vote to approve drafting a document on the Eucharist during their spring general assembly June 16-18. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the page reviews four questions including why the document is being developed and whether the bishops voted to ban elected officials from receiving holy Communion. The webpage – www.usccb.org/meaning-eucharist-life-church – is dated June 21, three days after the bishops announced the vote to allow the Committee on Doctrine to draft the document and present it for discussion when the bishops reconvene in person in November.
CAMDEN –The Eucharist is pictured at Sacred Heart Parish in 2017. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met in June 2021 and approved of drafting a document on the Eucharist. Questions about the vote can be found at https://www.usccb.org/meaning-eucharist-life-church. (Photo from Archives)
The U.S. bishops approved advancing a plan to draft a document to examine the “meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the church” following a lengthy debate during their assembly, held virtually due to the pandemic. The action passed with 168 votes in favor and 55 votes against it. There were six abstentions. Chieko Noguchi, USCCB director of public affairs, told CNS in an email June 24 that the question-and-answer online document was developed by her office in collaboration with Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, doctrine committee chairman, and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, chairman of the Committee on Communications. “We were hearing from people who seemed to misunderstand the vote, so it was created and then shared with all bishops with the approval of the conference president,” Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, she wrote. In two paragraphs leading to the questions, the webpage states that the vote approves the drafting of a teaching document on the Eucharist, explaining: “The question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups holy Communion was not the ballot.” Noting the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, it says that “the importance of an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and mystery in our lives” is not a new topic for the bishops to address. “The document being drafted is not meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons. It will include a section on the church’s teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate,” it says. The first question addresses why the bishops acted on this during their meeting. In response, the webpage explains the bishops have had a “major concern” that Catholics have had a declining belief and understanding of the Eucharist. The concern is so deep, it said, the bishops made the Eucharist the major theme of their 2021-2024 strategic plan. The webpage also says the Communion document “will serve as a foundation for the conference’s Eucharistic Revival Project, a national effort focused on reviving eucharistic faith. The second question asks whether the recent vote actually bans politicians from receiving Communion. “No, this was not up for vote or debate. The bishops made no decision about barring anyone from receiving holy Communion,” the response says. It stresses that all Catholics are called to “continual conversion,” while the bishops have “repeatedly emphasized the obligation of all Catholics to support human life and dignity and other fundamental principles of Catholic moral and social teaching.” The third question focuses on whether the bishops plan to issue a national policy on withholding Communion from politicians. “There will be no national policy on withholding Communion from politicians,” the online document says in response. “The intent is to present a clear understanding of the Church’s teachings to bring heightened awareness among the faithful of how the Eucharist can transform our lives and bring us closer to our creator and the life he wants for us.” The final question asks if the Vatican told the bishops not to move forward on drafting a teaching document on the Eucharist. The webpage says this was not the case but that the Vatican has encouraged the bishops to “engage in dialogue and broad consultation” and that the discussion during the recent spring general assembly was part of that process. “It is important to note that collaboration and consultation among the bishops will be key in the drafting of the document,” the webpage says. A consensus emerged among the bishops’ during the debate on drafting the document to convene regional discussions, the outcomes of which would be forwarded the doctrine committee.
(Visit www.usccb.org/meaning-eucharist-life-church for more information on the bishops vote.)
