A Legacy of Salesian Leadership

Two long-serving leaders of Oblate high schools, Fr. Chris Beretta, OSFS, and Fr. Geoff Rose, OSFS, recently concluded their ministries as principal of Salesianum School and president of St. Francis de Sales School, respectively. The Oblates gratefully celebrate their leadership, friendship, dedication, and enduring Salesian spirit.

Fr. Chris Beretta, OSFS

For sixteen years, Fr. Beretta served as the 17th principal of Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. Through his vision and deep Salesian spirit, he strengthened the school’s mission and shaped the lives of countless students.

Among his most significant accomplishments was the creation of Salesianum’s eight-house system, designed to “make a big school small.” By bringing students across grade levels together, the program fostered mentorship, stronger relationships, and a lasting sense of Brotherhood.

Other accomplishments include introducing student Salesian reflections at every school Mass and encouraging singing and vibrant participation at Mass. The school-wide and student-led prayer and announcements in the gym (known as Prep), as well as the freshman formation program, were his creations as well. The formation program runs from the August orientation day, led by seniors, to the reception of the Spiritual Directory to the tie ceremony on Founder’s Day in October. 

He also established the Center for Faith & Justice, integrating service, ministry, and spirituality more deeply into school life. Under his leadership, the BRIDGE (Building Relationships In Diverse Global Environments) service and experiential learning program expanded significantly.  Students take trips locally, nationally (Camden, NJ; West Virginia; El Paso, TX; Los Angeles, CA), and internationally (El Salvador, Benin, Haiti, Ecuador), to serve others and “Live Jesus.”

Recognizing the importance of caring for the whole person, Fr. Beretta founded the Wellness Center, which provides mental health and counseling services. He also established the Gardner Center to expand educational support services for students.  In December 2025, Fr. Beretta was honored by SL24 UnLocke the Light Foundation with the Illuminator 24Award for his commitment to helping others "be who they are and be that well.” He has also been instrumental in supporting local nonprofits through the establishment of SalsThon - a student fundraising event that has generated over $2M for nonprofits in the last 13 years. 

“Like a conductor leading an orchestra, he has brought together countless voices, talents, and gifts, shaping them into something greater than the sum of their parts. The steady rhythms of school life have been enriched by a vision rooted in faith, brotherhood, and excellence. The result is a harmony that resonates with families and echoes across generations,” said Tom Kardish, President, Salesianum School.

Fr. Beretta's ministry was leading a school community that understands that all students, but especially boys, are relational learners, and creating schedules, curricula, and programs that reinforce the brotherhood at every turn. He did this not as a marketing strategy but because he understood that is how boys learn and grow.

As a lasting tribute to his ministry, Salesianum dedicated the Beretta Bell outside the Athletic Center. A longtime dream of Fr. Beretta’s, the bell will be rung by seniors to celebrate achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and service—a symbol of perseverance, Brotherhood, and community.

When reflecting on his legacy, Fr. Beretta commented, “I hope my legacy will always be a student-centered Salesian community for young men that entrusted them with leadership, gave them real responsibility, and expected their best - which I always got.”

The Provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province agrees, “Fr. Beretta will always be remembered for his deep passion and commitment to the spirituality and teachings of our founders,” said Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS.  “Helping raise students as Salesian gentlemen, committed to living Jesus will be his greatest legacy.” 

Fr. Geoff Rose, OSFS

Fr. Geoff Rose concludes eleven years of leadership as president of St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo, Ohio. Since arriving in 2013, he has embodied the Salesian spirit while strengthening the school’s foundation and preparing it for future growth.

His commitment to expanding educational opportunities helped broaden the reach of the school’s mission and strengthen the St. Francis community.

To help students live the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Rose launched the Salesian Leadership Initiative in response to a discerned need to form leaders in the spirituality and tradition of St. Francis de Sales. The initiative centers on developing leaders who embody humble confidence, authentic relationships, and servant leadership.  It encourages students to cultivate humble confidence, practice the little virtues, build authentic relationships, and lead with a Salesian spirit. The program has become a defining part of the student experience.

Building upon this vision, Fr. Rose introduced a Salesian Leadership Curriculum that now reaches every student in the school. Three times a year, students engage in Salesian Leadership Modules that cultivate practical leadership skills rooted in faith. In addition, a specialized course for sophomores and juniors fosters a peer cohort devoted to integrating prayer, holiness, emotional intelligence, and concrete skills into their leadership practice. 

His dedication to academic excellence also led to the creation of new science laboratories in the Center for Advanced Scientific Exploration wing, providing innovative spaces for learning and discovery.

Fr. Rose was awarded the National Catholic Education Association’s Lead. Learn. Proclaim Award. Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, Provincial Toledo-Wilmington Province, believes his confrere epitomizes the characteristics this award celebrates, saying, “In this era where evangelization flourishes through authentic relationships, Fr. Rose’s leadership offers a dynamic and deeply relational approach to forming lifelong disciples.  In every respect, Fr. Rose exemplifies the mission and spirit of the award.  His leadership inspires students, educators, and the wider community to live the Gospel with confidence, joy, and gentle strength.”

Most recently, Fr. Rose helped launch the $26 million campus improvement project through Our Faithful Loyalty: The 75th Anniversary Campaign. Under his leadership, the school strengthened its financial position, reduced debt, and secured sustained philanthropic support.

Fr. Rose will remain actively involved through the Jamaica Mission, the Global Salesian Leadership Symposium, and the ongoing work of the Salesian Leadership Initiative.

The Oblates are deeply grateful for Fathers Rose and Beretta and the legacy they leave behind. Their vision, leadership, and commitment to forming young people in the Salesian tradition will continue to bear fruit for generations. Their greatest legacy is found in the countless lives they have touched and the communities they have strengthened.

May God be Praised!