BE A BRIDGE BUILDER

By Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin


WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

A Midweek Spiritual Workout with Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin

BE A BRIDGE BUILDER

One of the many things that surprised me when I first moved to Pittsburgh, PA, was the number, size, and beauty of its bridges. Even though each bridge created a different and valuable connection, there seemed to be far too many for one city to have. I realized that bridges provide a secure way for others to overcome obstacles and reach their destination safely, and I understood the need for so many different kinds.

After using many of the bridges in my travels, it was apparent that all the bridges were necessary because, without them, it would be impossible for people and vehicles to cross the rivers, neighborhoods, hills, and valleys throughout the city. Thanks be to God for the gifted and talented architects and engineers who designed and built such beautiful and practical bridges. They became the city's focal point, and Pittsburgh became known as the “city of bridges.”

As we continue celebrating the Christmas Season, remember that Christ came to build a spiritual bridge between humanity and Divinity. After the fall of Adam and Eve, there was a gap between humanity and Divinity. Thanks to Jesus, Who came to bridge that gap. Emmanuel means God with us. This also reminds us that through Jesus, Divinity touched humanity in a special way.

Following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all called to be bridge-builders among all our families: our blood family, our parish family, our community family, and the whole family of God. Bridge-builders create and maintain relationships between themselves and God and between themselves and others through acts of compassion, love, and service.

On this SPIRITUAL WORKOUT WEDNESDAY, become an intentional bridge-builder. You can provide a secure way for others to overcome obstacles and reach their destination safely. Consider ways to be a bridge-builder and close the gap between yourself, God, and those in need. How will you build a bridge of compassion, love, and service to your family, a friend, or a neighbor? 


Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin was born in Kibakwe, Mpwapwa, Dodama Tanzania, Africa, on January 23, 1978. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood on July 12, 2012, by Archbishop Gervas John M. Nyaisonga. Following his service as Pastor in his home country of Tanzania, Father was commissioned to the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Augustine in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was assigned studies and pastoral duty at Immaculate Conception Church in Dudley, PA. After he completed his Master's Degree at Villanova University, Father was reassigned to serve as chaplain and pastoral care at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his ministry there and returned to Tanzania on May 7, 2024.

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