Bishop Donald Pelletier, MS arrived in the States for heart a procedure and is doing very well. He is now the retired bishop of Morondava, Madagascar. He has led a very busy and productive life.
After completing his studies in theology and receiving his licentiate degree, Fr. Donald returned to the States. Stationed in Enfield, NH, he prepared for the missions. In October 1958 he departed for Morondava, Madagascar, arriving in December. Liturgies were still in Latin at that time, so he was able to do limited local ministry while studying the Malagasy language, which he quickly learned.
Almost from the beginning of his missionary ministry Donald was given important responsibilities in the diocese. He was stationed at the cathedral parish in Morondava and soon became pastor. In 1964 he was appointed Administrator of the diocese in the interim between the death of Bishop Paul Girouard, MS and the ordination of Bishop Bernard Ratsimamotoana, MS. Twice he served as Vicar General of the diocese. He spent many years in the isolated mission posts of Berevo, Antsalova and Ankavandra. He organized and directed the catechetical school in Mahabo, where catechists – the mainstay of the Catholic communities where no priest resides – are trained in Holy Scripture, Catholic doctrine and morals, liturgy, preaching, church organization, and other areas of church leadership. Returning to Morondava as pastor of the cathedral, he was again appointed to administer the diocese when Bishop Bernard turned 75 and the Holy Father accepted his resignation as Ordinary of the diocese. In November 1999, Donald was named Ordinary of the diocese of Morondava. On February 13, 2000 he was ordained Bishop. Since then he has been tireless in preaching, visiting mission districts to confer the Sacraments, organizing the minor and major seminaries for the diocese, pushing education – especially higher education – for Catholic youth, and has brought many communities of women Religious to work in missionary districts.
On his 75th birthday in June 2006, according to the dictates of Canon Law, he tendered his resignation as Ordinary of the diocese to the Holy Father. While he awaits the nomination of the new Bishop he continues to serve the diocese. During this short visit in the States it is fitting that he should celebrate his 50th anniversary of priesthood with family and community. Perhaps when the new Bishop is ordained and takes the reins of the diocese, Bishop Donald will be able to come back for a more lengthy stay, and get the full rest he deserves after almost 50 years as a missionary in Madagascar. Then, renewed in spirit and body, he will return for more years of ministry.
There is a much quoted Latin saying – “ad multos anos” – meaning “many more years.” That is our wish and prayer for Bishop Donald as he celebrates his first 50 years of priesthood.