Salesian Ties

Oct 16

Freshmen gathered together at the Founders’ Day Mass to cite the Salesian Standard and pledge.

Every day, throughout Wilmington (DE), Salesianum students are recognized because of the signature dress code that has been in place for 120 years. This year, Salesianum has taken that iconic symbol of a gentleman - a tie - to a new level. Wearing the tie and being a Salesian gentleman means being the best version of the self God has called them to be.

The process of becoming a Salesian gentleman lasts all four years but freshmen now participate in a very intentional formation experience as part of their orientation to the school.

First-year students were initially introduced to what it means to be a Salesian gentleman in the summer before classes began. Then, on the first Wednesday of the school year, they received a Salesianum version of St. Francis de Sales’ Spiritual Directory. Created completely by students and faculty, this serves as a guide to help new students navigate their journey at Salesianum. Central to this Directory is the commitment to three daily practices: prayer, study, and action, as a plan for living each day with purpose. The Salesianum version of the Directory includes spaces for students to journal and make goals in these three daily commitments of a Salesian gentleman.

Every day during the first eight weeks of the school year (leading up to Founders’ Day celebration in mid-October), freshmen come together in the flex period to learn more about Salesianum history, its Salesian founders, and what it means to be a Salesian gentleman. Complementing these daily meetings is the weekly talk on a Salesian theme that freshmen hear from a student and an adult speaker and have time to journal.

In anticipation of Founders’ Day celebration, the freshmen participate in a day-long retreat where they pray and learn more about the core values of Salesian Spirituality under the leadership of senior students supported by the Center for Faith, Justice, and Leadership.

“We are truly embracing our roots as a Salesian school and rediscovering how to do this every year.”

— Stephen Adams,’02 Director of Salesian Formation

All of these steps led the freshmen to Founders’ Day Celebration when they were welcomed to the brotherhood. Before they could wear their ties, freshmen were quizzed by members of the senior class on Salesianum culture and history, thus proving that they were ready for the opportunity to join the brotherhood. They also heard a talk by Kevin Riley, ‘69, former NFL player, and were joined by other Salesianum alumni, who, together with seniors, helped the frosh put on their ties for the first time.

At the Founders’ Day Mass, the freshmen stood together in front of their Salesianum brothers, Oblates, and alumni. They took their Spiritual Directories from their front pocket and recited the Salesian Standard, made the Salesian pledge, and sang the alma mater.

Stephen Adams, Direction of Salesian Formation, a proud member of Salesianum Class of 2002, explains, “We are truly embracing our roots as a Salesian school and rediscovering how to do this every year. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who have come before us to do this.”

Throughout a student’s four years, he experiences Salesian formation in the classroom, on the field, during service projects, and in all his daily interactions. In speaking at Founders’ Mass, Fr. Beretta, OSFS, Principal encapsulated this by saying, “The journey to become a Salesian gentleman is something we live throughout our entire lives to the day we take our last breath.”