Celebrating 60Years of Grace My memory of BB goes back to the days when I served as Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Catholic Church from 2004 to 2007. She and her husband, Dr. Francis Ofei, were faithful attendees of the Sunday eveningMass. Anyone who knows them can testify to how they come to church — quietly and gracefully, like the biblical Nicodemus who sought the Lord in the stillness of the night (John 3:1–2). What first caught my attention was when BB began to play the organ during the eveningMass. It was this gift of music — offered so humbly and beautifully — that drewme closer to her. Her playing was not just skillful, but prayerful, lifting hearts toward heaven. During this period, I was occasionally invited to Fidelity Bank, where BB served as Head of Human Resource Department, to give exhortations during theirMonday morning devotions. There, too, she sometimes played the organ. After the devotion, we would spend a fewmoments in her office chatting about faith, life, and service. Whether at church or at work, BB— though reserved — shone brightly through her gift and spirit of quiet excellence. When I later became the Pastor of St. James Catholic Church, Osu, I faced a pastoral challenge: I needed a role model for the young girls in the youth choir — someone who could inspire them spiritually and morally, and work harmoniously with the choir master and organist. Naturally, I thought of BB. Despite her busy schedule, she gladly accepted my invitation. I still remember her gentle but firm response: “Fr. Dan, how can I say no to you?” Her presence impacted the group greatly. She supported the youth choir not only with her music but also with her mentorship and even financial contribution when needed. When it came to the physical development of the parish, BB’s generosity again spoke volumes. She fully sponsored the construction of the St. James Grotto — a serene space for prayer and devotion. And through her influence, her husband, Dr. Francis, graciously co-chaired one of our church harvests, contributing generously even when he couldn’t attend in person. BB also offered her professional expertise by chairing the Church’s Asset Committee. Under her leadership, the committee ensured the protection of church property and promoted prudent management of resources through clear rental policies and staff oversight. Her contribution, combined with faith and professionalism, was remarkable. About nine months before her 60th birthday, BB reached out to me to discuss how she could spiritually prepare herself for this milestone. One of her goals was to deepen her knowledge of Scripture. In view of this, I assigned her specific books of the Bible to study. She would read each one, reflect, and then return with questions and insights for discussion before moving on to the next. Through this exercise, she prayerfully completed several books — including Tobit, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, Luke, Philippians, and 1 Samuel, among others. It was deeply inspiring to witness her thirst for God’sWord and her desire to grow in grace and wisdom. Indeed, she embodied the words of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” As we celebrate BB’s 60th birthday — sixty years of divine favor, wisdom, and service —we echo the words of Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turnHis face toward you and give you peace.” —Numbers 6:24–26 BB, your life is a testimony to the Psalmist’s words: “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalm34:5). You have been a beacon of faith, humility, and excellence in all spheres of life. May this milestone birthday mark not only the celebration of years but the recognition of a legacy — a life poured out in love and service to God and humanity. Happy 60th Birthday, BB! May your days continue to overflowwith the joy of the Lord, who has been your strength. Fr. Daniel Tettedji 4 The Birthday Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==