-
-
Salesianum Crest
-
Learn More
Principal
The Rev. J. Christian Beretta, OSFS is the 17th principal of Salesianum School. Having begun his tenure in 2010, he is the longest-serving principal since the school’s founder, Father Fromentin, who held the role from 1903 to 1921.
Fr. Beretta holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from DeSales University, a Master of Divinity from the DeSales School of Theology, a Master of Arts in Kinesiology (specializing in Sports Psychology) from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. There, his dissertation focused on the development of authentically inclusive school communities which reflect the Gospel call to build a civilization of love.
A native of California, Fr. Beretta was first introduced to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where he moved during his junior year. He joined the Oblates after graduating from high school and was ordained a priest eleven years later on May 31, 1997, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington.
Fr. Beretta has served in Catholic education since 1991 as a teacher, coach, campus minister, and principal, both at Salesianum (1991-1993, 1997-1999, and 2010-present) and at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, FL (1999-2010). He spends time at the University of Notre Dame each summer, where he teaches future school leaders who are students in the Remick Leadership Program. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor John Carney to serve on the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Directors, and he is currently a trustee at Nativity Preparatory School and St. Edmond's Academy.
Inspired by the vision of St. Francis de Sales to create a school culture in which students learn to do all through love and nothing through fear, Fr. Beretta is most passionate about developing innovative approaches to Salesianum's educational and spiritual mission. In close collaboration with a dedicated faculty and staff, he fosters a brotherhood of faith and learning in which young men thrive and care for one another, forming the next generation of Salesian gentlemen for life and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Salesianum School
Salesianum School educates and develops the whole person based on the teaching of Saint Francis de Sales, whose spirituality can be summarized in “Live Jesus.” As an independent Catholic secondary school founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1903, Salesianum challenges young men through dynamic college preparatory and extracurricular programs to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community, and service.