Hi everyone! My name is Alfonso Latoni and I am honored to serve as a newly appointed member of the Pastoral Council at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

My personal journey with God began the moment I was conceived in my mother’s womb—that was God’s plan for me. I was blessed with good health and a nurturing environment and baptized shortly after birth on April 6, 1958, at the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, Florida.

Having been born and raised in the Catholic faith, my life has been guided by a profound commitment to Scripture, to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the well-being of others. Daily prayer has always played a central role in my life since my early days as an altar server in fifth grade. I am also a devoted child of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and my wife Carmen and I pray the Holy Rosary together each day. Every morning, before beginning my daily activities, I read the Gospel and strive to live a life rooted in love, compassion, and faith.

I have been a parishioner at St. Michael for twelve years. Professionally, I recently retired from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) in May 2024, where I served as Senior Advisor to the Division Director of Extramural Research and Training and Chief Scientific Review Officer at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, NC. Over the course of my career, I also held leadership roles at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the Center for Scientific Review (CSR), and the American Sociological Association (ASA). Before my time at NIH, I was an Associate Professor of Sociology, Political Science, and Applied Social Research at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez for fourteen years.

I hold a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, an M.A. in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology (Social Economy and Social Policy) from Boston College. My professional background has been shaped by a strong commitment to rational planning, collaboration, and social advocacy skills I now hope to bring to the work of the Pastoral Council.

Outside of my professional and parish commitments, I enjoy reading, especially topics related to world history, religious history, monastic life, and social thought. I also love films inspired by true stories and caring for our garden. I’ve been told I’m the “green thumb” of the family!

As I begin my tenure on the Pastoral Council, I look forward to learning more about its work and contributing where my skills and God-given talents are most needed. I believe the Council plays an important role in discerning the needs of our parish community and advising the pastor thoughtfully, ensuring that apostolic activities are meaningful and relevant to our parishioners.

For those considering getting involved in parish life, I encourage you to reach out to parish members who are already active in ministries, explore where your talents might fit best, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. There are so many ways to serve and each one is an opportunity to share your gifts and grow in faith.

I am currently involved in the Reader Ministry at St. Michael.