FUNERAL OF THE LATE MRS. IRENE NAA KOMLEY DAN-OKINE (September 12, 1962 – June 4, 2025)
HOLY SPIRIT CATHEDRAL, ADABRAKA, ACCRA
ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025
HOMILY BY BISHOP JOHN KOBINA LOUIS
THEME: THE BLESSED
READINGS: Revelation 14:13 & Matthew 5:1-12a
0.1 INTRODUCTION
On behalf of Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, my co-Auxiliary Bishop, the priests, religious and all mourners here present, I wish to express our condolences to Mr. Peter Dan-Okine, the children (Donald and Christabel), grandchildren, and other family members of the late Mrs. Irene Naa Komley Dan-Okine.
0.2 THEME
The first reading says, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord” (Rev. 14:13); and in the gospel reading the word “blessed” is mentioned nine (9) times (cf. Matt. 5:1-12a). Reflecting on this in the light of the life of Mrs. Irene Dan-Okine, I have chosen the theme: “The Blessed”.
0.3 OUTLINE
- The Beatitudes in the Life of Mrs. Dan-Okine
- When the Blessed die in the Lord
- Conclusion: Lead a Blessed Life
1.0 THE BEATITUDES IN THE LIFE OF MRS. DAN-OKINE
According to the Gospel of St. Matthew, the first of the Beatitudes which our Lord Jesus Christ pronounced was: “Blessed are in the poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3). The poor in spirit are those who live with the conviction that fundamentally their lives, aspirations, achievements, wealth, future, etc. all depend on God. That is, without God they are nothing! And this was the way of life of Mrs. Dan-Okine. She didn’t seek first worldly wealth and fame.
Secondly, our Lord proclaimed: “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matt. 5:4). And Mrs. Dan-Okine went through a prolonged period of serious mourning. Within a space of a few years, she lost her mother, her younger sister as well as her dad. That was not all, her dad’s departure occurred in the heat of the CoViD-19 pandemic when she herself was mourning a life-threatening disease that had afflicted her. Yet, she remained steadfast in faith; and so, the Lord would call her, “Blessed!”
Thirdly, “Blessed are the meek” (Matt. 5:5). The meek are humble and gentle; and that was the attitude and character of Mrs. Dan-Okine. She was not proud nor aggressive. Because of her meek nature, she could pleasantly interact and mentor the children of the Holy Spirit Cathedral Parish for over 30 years.
Fourthly, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matt. 5:6). Having being incorporated into the life of righteousness by the grace of baptism at the age of 4 years, and guided by her devout parents, Sir and Mrs. Emmanuel Tetteh, the young Irene would walk in the path of righteousness as she prepared for First Holy Communion at age 12 and Confirmation on her 13th birthday.
In her teens, she was inspired by the Holy Spirit to know that there was no better way to get closer to Jesus than through Mother Mary who knew her Divine Son through and through. And so, Sister Irene joined the youth wing of the Legionaries of Mary at the Holy Spirit Cathedral. This became the avenue to hunger and thirst more for righteousness in Christ, which she would in turn infuse into hundreds of children in the Cathedral and elsewhere.
Fifthly, “Blessed are the merciful” (Matt. 5:7). Mrs. Dan-Okine was not the vengeful type; she often forgave those who offended her. As a diligent and honest accounts officer in the Ghana Education Service for 40 years, she would not countenance bribery, embezzlement or any form of corruption. Her demands for strict accountability for the use of public funds incurred her some injustice, yet she forgave those who offended her.
Sixth, “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8). The pure in heart are those whose spiritual loyalty is to God alone. Mrs. Dan-Okine worshipped only the Living God. She did entertain any double or multiple spiritual allegiances as some Christians do, especially in difficult times.
Seventh, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9). And Mrs. Dan-Okine never instigated nor fostered hatred and conflicts. Rather, she was an agent of reconciliation and peace-building in her family, church, office and community.
Eighth, “Blessed are those who are persecuted” (Matt. 5:10). Mrs. Dan-Okine, as mentioned above, endured some persecutions because she ensured that her office accounts were right. She also endured other forms of persecutions including the trials of bereavement and sickness. Yet, she was steadfast in faith to the end!
2.0 WHEN THE BLESSED DIE IN THE LORD
When those whom the Lord declares as blessed in this life, because they are poor in spirit, meek, mournful, hunger for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted, etc., die in the Lord, they remained blessed forever. This is because:
- “they will receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7). So, may Mrs. Dan-Okine enjoy the mercy of God forever!
- “they will see God” (Matt. 5:8) and become “children of God” (Matt. 5:9). So, may Mrs. Dan-Okine see God and remain His daughter forever!
- Seeing God, “they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4), and “will rest from their labours” (Rev. 14:13). So, may Sister Irene rest eternally from all her toils, sickness, pains, sorrows, etc.
- “their good deeds follow them” (Rev. 14:13). So, may all the good deeds of Sister Irene be reckoned as investments in heaven (to use an accounting concept)
- “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3,10), and so, “they will be satisfied” (Matt. 5:6) forever. May Sister Irene enjoy everlasting happiness!
3.0 CONCLUSION: LEAD A BLESSED LIFE
Beloved, in short, when those who lead a blessed life on this earth die in the Lord, they remain blessed eternally, because their “reward is great in heaven” (Matt. 5:12). Let us, therefore, like Mrs. Dan-Okine, strive with the help of God’s grace to lead a blessed life.
Finally, today is the feast of Mother Mary as Queen of Heaven, to whom Mrs. Dan-Okine was very much devoted. So, may she continue to intercede for our sister until she enters the heavenly glory, Amen!
