Today I am celebrating the anniversary of my ordination. On April 25, 1986, in Saint Peter Cathedral
Bishop Michael Murphy ordained me and four classmates to the order of presbyter (priest) to serve the Church
in the Diocese of Erie. What a ride it has been with my assignments throughout six counties in northwest
Pennsylvania: Warren, Bradford, Meadville, Hermitage/Farrell, Tidioute/Tionesta, Titusville, DuBois, and
Greenville. I've had the honor and privilege to share faith and walk with wonderful people along the way.

In the midst of this pandemic and isolation, I have reflected greatly on my journey. Beginning in my
hometown of Brockway, Saint Catherine Grade School, Central Catholic High School and beyond have formed
me into the person I am today. I appreciate deeply the sacrifice of my parents, their wisdom and guidance in
leading me so well. Many have asked "When did you know of your call to priesthood?" And it was a process
for me - something always in the back of my mind, but well insulated from my desires. I remember my junior
year in high school when my Theology teacher,

Fr. Bernie Urbaniak, gave an assignment to write three reasons why we could not be a priest or religious sister.
In my manner I decided not to do the assignment telling him "He could not grade us on opinions or thoughts, so
I'd just pass". My great logic got me a visit to the main office before Fr. Bernie, Fr. Krebs (the Headmaster)
and the Diocesan Vocation Director - so much for skating the issue. In that room with three caring men, they
helped me to truly think about a possible vocation. To compound my process, my confirmation was happening
the next Sunday and during the celebration I was asked a question by Bishop Watson: "Young man, what is the
sacrament that only men can receive?" To my pleasure I knew the answer and proclaimed "Priesthood". Then
a second question, "Are you going to be a priest?" Confidently I responded, "No!" And he hit me on the head
with his portable microphone. Maybe that gentle bam jarred something, but I really felt the hit to my head
when I returned home for my confirmation party. As I opened my cards, I came to my saintly maternal
grandmother's card, I opened it and it said "Congratulations on your Ordination" - it appears God's subtle hints
didn't work so here it was again. At the time, everyone laughed about, but I knew the call was real.

Spring of 1977 as we all were preparing for prom, graduation, and future college careers, I made the
application to Saint Mark Seminary and Gannon University. The fear of telling my friends became a wonderful
experience of support from 17 and 18 year olds. I was surprised and encouraged for this journey. In the fall I
began my years at Saint Mark's and appreciated the knowledge and spiritual growth that I achieved amidst
wonderful friends. Then comes 1981 and my graduation and decision to continue in the process for priesthood
for another four years of education and formation. At that time I requested, and received, the assignment to
Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD (the home of our first American born Saint, Elizabeth Ann
Seton). I hadn't prepared for seven courses each semester (147 credits total) for my Master's Degree, but I
knew I was in the right place as our first day we had Mass atop our campus on the mountainside chapel in the
grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and we were invited to place our hands on the altar, before the image of Mary,
and devote our priesthood to her care and protection. Even though many classes, apostolates to the community,
spiritual direction sessions and yearly evaluations before a board of professors, this experience was blessed and
joy-filled. Then 1985 and the end of my years of formation, with that final evaluation before the entire staff of
MSM Seminary and my finals - oral finals - where you met with three professors for 30 minutes each to
discuss all topics taught throughout your four years of formation. Believe me, our chapel always had men
praying ever; hour, but during oral finals the pews were filled with all of us asking intersession and wisdom.

Then came the letter from Bishop Murphy, after a year of formation known as Continuum, when he
invited and "called" me to priesthood. That letter finalized the eight-year process and brought me to April, 25,
1986 (the feast day of Saint Mark). On that beautiful night in Erie, I was ordained to the priesthood and service
to the people of God in our Diocese. I wonder where the years went, but, I am so grateful for the honor to walk
with others, and teach, and learn. I celebrate 34 years of priesthood in a rather quiet way (isolated) but maybe
I'm this year, greater than ever, in a spiritual gratitude for my priesthood, my family, and my friends. As I say
thank you to God, and His Most Blessed Mother (who still protects my ministry), I also thank you for walking
with me, encouraging me, and supporting me. With great love and appreciation        Fr. David Foradori

PS: Let me especially thank my family who truly walked with me in this long process to priesthood and walked
with me since - my parents in heaven; my sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Dave Andrulonis; my niece and
nephew Stephanie Lincoln and Chad Andrulonis; my nephew-in-law, Chris Lincoln, my great nieces, Claire and
Anna Lincoln, my aunts and uncles and cousins - I love and appreciate you so much.