When a school was built in the name of the late Bishop Donald L. Pelletier, F.S. in Andika sur Mer, a fishing village in Madagascar, Barlo Signs International of Hudson, NH was called to provide a sign that could withstand the country’s hot, humid, sun-drenched climate.
Barlo not only took on the job, but donated the 6 x 24-in. routed brushed aluminum sign in respect for Bishop Pelletier and the work the missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette have done for the poor people of Madagascar.
Baker Lumber of White River Junction, VT donated the 48 x 7.5-in. mahogany board, and John Markowitz of Enfield, CT — and on behalf of La Salette — provided the woodworking, goldleafing and screenprinting.
The project had to be shipped in advance of the April 17 departure deadline to ensure secure storage of the materials in six 52.5-lb. suitcases. Additional suitcases were filled with school and medical supplies, as well as hanging hardware and instructions. Attachment on site was coordinated with a La Salette Canadian missionary, Father Jeremy Morais, M.S. The school was dedicated on April 23 this year.
Bishop Donald L. Pelletier, M.S.
Bishop Pelletier spent 66 years in Madagascar as a La Salette missionary and served as Bishop of the Diocese of Morondava for 11 years before retiring in 2010. On June 4, 2022, the bishop came to the Upper Valley Area of New Hampshire for his annual medical checkup at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Tragically, he was struck and killed by a passing pickup while crossing Route 2A between the Shrine of La Salette and the priests’ residence.
Bishop Pelletier was a champion of education, according to Markowitz. He always asked children in Madagascar why they were not in school, and always got the same answer — that there was no school for them to attend. After the bishop’s passing, La Salette of Enfield decided to raise $25,000 to build a two-room school in his name in Andika sur Mer.
Markowitz, who has been involved with graphics, signs and promotions in his public affairs work, called Barlo to help construct a sign for the school, knowing the company’s fine reputation.
“Here is an example of a busy company and its staff generously taking a moment of time to be a beacon of kindness and generosity,” Markowitz said.
For more information, visit barlosigns.com.
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