Fr. Charles Fromentin (1861-1940) was one of three original Oblates from France sent by Fr. Brisson to found Salesianum in 1903. He was the first provincial of the English-speaking province of the Oblates in America and the first religious superior and principal of the Salesianum School. From humble beginnings at a house on the corner of 8th and West Streets in downtown Wilmington, Salesianum opened with 12 students but grew steadily under Fr. Fromentin’s leadership as the principal.

In his early career, Fr. Fromentin worked in Africa before returning to the U.S. to lead the Oblates. He exemplified the trailblazing spirit that continues today in the Oblates and at Salesianum.
ACCREDITED BY MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION