Senior Salesian Scholar
Rev. Alexander Pocetto, O.S.F.S., Ph.D.
Father Pocetto, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, is an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, who was ordained in 1955. He received his theological formation at the De Sales School of Theology and did his undergraduate studies at the Catholic University of America, where he obtained an A.B. degree in Philosophy. Pursuing graduate studies, he received an M.A. in French from the same university and later attended Laval University in Quebec, Canada where he was awarded a Ph.D. in French Language and Literature magna cum laude.
As a priest-educator for 55 years, he taught on the high school level for 11 years and also served as Vice-Principal. He has been at De Sales University since its inception in 1965, where he taught French courses, served as the chief academic officer for 22 years and retired as Senior Vice President. He teaches courses in Salesian Spirituality both in a regular classroom setting and online. The University awarded him the De Sales Medal, its highest non-academic award, and an honorary doctorate. In the Oblates, he served as Assistant Superior General and held the position for 12 years of President of the International Commission on Salesian Studies, which promotes, coordinates and disseminates Salesian studies worldwide. In the course of his priestly and academic career, he has given parish missions, numerous retreats, and spiritual conferences and has published extensively in the field of Salesian spirituality.
Over the years, Fr. Pocetto has been active in many organizations and boards. He held the positions of Chair of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges of Provosts and Deans, was president of the Board of Education of the Allentown diocese, served 12 years on the Board of Trustees of Holy Family University and as Chair of the Burn Prevention Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania and is currently a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of that organization.
