Rev. David Ijandir Bridling

In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, is saddened to announce the death of Rev. David Ijandir Bridling. Fr. Bridling died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 due to complications from diabetes and other related health issues.

Father David Bridling was born November 25, 1968, in Bam-Kuda, in the Adamawa Province of Nigeria. He attended Gadadamai Primary School and Saint Peter Minor Seminary. He entered Saint Thomas Aquinas Seminary in 1987, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1990. In 1994, he received a Diploma in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan (an affiliate of Saint Augustine Seminary). Father David received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 1994. Post ordination, he attended the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome, where he received a Licentiate in Theology in 1999 and a Doctorate in Theology in 2001. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Senan O’Donnell on April 1, 1995, at Saint Patrick Cathedral for the Diocese of Maiduguri.

Following ordination, Father David served the Diocese of Maiduguri as a Diocesan Chaplain to the Catholic Men’s Organization, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (Bazza Deanery), Parish Priest at Saint John (Mishara, Uba), Formator and Lecturer at Saint Augustine Seminary (Jos, Plateau State), Saint Michael (Kala’a), Diocesan Chaplain, Women’s Organization (Maiduguri Deanery), Rector, Saint Patrick Cathedral (Maiduguri), and Parish Priest/Dean, Saint Paul (Potiskum).

He first visited the Diocese of Youngstown as a missionary speaker to share about the joy Nigerian Catholics found in the Gospel in the midst of terrorism.

In 2016, he started his service in the Diocese of Youngstown as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ashtabula. From 2021-2023, he served as Parish Administrator of St. Mary (Orwell) and Sacred Heart (Rock Creek) Parishes, now merged into St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish. From 2023-2025, he served as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish and University Parish Newman Center in Kent. He was to start a new assignment on July 1, 2025 as Pastor of Holy Trinity, East Liverpool; St. Agatha Mission, West Point; and St. John the Evangelist, Summitville; as well as Dean of the Columbiana Deanery. In addition to his pastoral assignments, Father David served on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council.

He will be remembered for his laughter, reverence for the Eucharist, and preaching on the power of forgiveness and love in response to hatred and violence. He held a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Bonnar asks all to pray for the repose of Father David’s soul:

“Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”

Family and friends may pay their respects at visitation 3-7 P.M. WEDNESDAY May 28, 2025 at St. Patrick Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, where Vespers will be prayed in the church at 7 P.M., with the Rev. William Kraynak presiding. Funeral Mass 12 P.M. THURSDAY May 29, 2025 at St. Patrick Church, celebrated by the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar with Father David’s dear friend the Rev. Raymond J. Thomas as homilist. There will be additional time to pay respects to Father David at church from 11 A.M. until the start of Mass. Father David will be buried in his homeland of Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest next to many members of his beloved family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fr. Bridling's family, c/o St. Patrick Church, the University Parish Newman Center, 1424 Horning Road, Kent OH 44240, or Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1200 E 21st St. Ashtabula, OH 44004, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish 103 N Maple St., Orwell OH 44076.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3:16-17). To Know Father David was to know a man who was a living witness to the sovereign joy and profound peace which are found only in the Lord - SHALOM!

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.