[Episcopal News Service] Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 7 with about 150 family members and guests at a special event held at St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tutu served as archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role in the movement that later forced an end to the white supremacist system.

Tutu, who retired in 1996, attended the birthday celebration this week seated in a wheelchair with his wife, Leah, by his said, according to the Church Times.

Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba opened the service by singing “Happy Birthday,” and the sermon was delivered by the Rev. Allan Boesak, former president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. “You have seen it all. But you have always given us hope,” Boesak said. “You have always spoken to our hearts. And you are still speaking to us today through your life.”