HOMILY FOR THE 99TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. PHILOMENA MAGNUSEN AT THE HOLY SPIRIT CATHEDRAL, ACCRA, ON 13TH FEBRUARY 2026.
READINGS: Isaiah 65:17-24 and Luke 15:3-6
1. Today, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our hearts rise in thanksgiving to God as we celebrate 99 years of life granted to Mrs. Philomena Magnusen. This is not an ordinary milestone; it is a testimony of God’s faithful love across nearly a century.
In the Gospel of Luke (15:3–6), Jesus speaks of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep safely secured and goes in search of the one that is lost. The ninety-nine are precious, protected, and valued. As the shepherd in Luke 15:3–6 secured the ninety-nine sheep in safety, so today we thank God for the precious gift of ninety-nine years of life granted to Mrs. Magnusen—years watched over, protected, and cherished the loving care of our Lord Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.
2. We also give thanks to God because her life reflects the promise of the prophet Isaiah: “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit… They shall not labor in vain” (Isaiah 65:21–23). Mrs. Magnusen has not labored in vain. She has enjoyed the fruits of her work, the blessing of her children and grandchildren, and the peace of dwelling in the house she built. Her life speaks of effort crowned with fulfillment, of years not wasted but richly invested. In a world where many toil without reward, her story reminds us that God is faithful to bless the work done in love and perseverance.
3. We praise God today as well because He is a God who gives life in abundance. Isaiah proclaims a striking promise: “One who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth” (Isaiah 65:20), and again, “For like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be” (Isaiah 65:22). At 99 years, Mrs. Magnusen stands as a living witness to these words. Her life is like a well-rooted tree—deeply grounded, enduring storms, offering shade and strength to generations. Her long years proclaim not just length of days, but the abundance of God’s sustaining grace.
4. As we celebrate this 99th birthday, our hearts already look forward in hope and joy. Like the shepherd in Luke’s Gospel who rejoices greatly when he finds the lost sheep, we look ahead with joyful expectation to celebrating her 100th birthday. That celebration, God willing, will be a moment of shared rejoicing—family, friends, and the Church lifting their voices in gratitude, just as the shepherd calls his neighbors to rejoice with him.
5. Finally, Isaiah assures us: “They shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—and their descendants as well” (Isaiah 65:23). On this blessed day, we pray that this promise may rest fully upon Mrs. Philomena Magnusen’s children, grandchildren, relatives, and upon all of us gathered to celebrate with her. May the same God who has sustained her for 99 years pour out His blessings on every generation represented here, granting peace, health, faith, and joy.
May the Lord who has been her shepherd all these years continue to watch over her, today and always. Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
