A Legacy of Salesian Leadership - Fr. Chris Beretta, OSFS
In Part 2 of “A Legacy of Salesian Leadership” the Oblates highlight Fr. Chris Beretta, OSFS. Fr. Beretta recently concluded his ministry as as principal of Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE. The Oblates gratefully celebrate his leadership, friendship, dedication, and enduring Salesian spirit.
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.”