It was with laughter, song, and deep gratitude that Father Alain Béal, missionary of the Society of African Missions (SMA), marked his 80th birthday in the heart of his parish community of Vaulx-en-Velin. The celebration unfolded in a colorful Eucharist, presided by the jubilant octogenarian himself, surrounded by confrères, parishioners, and friends whose diversity reflected the universal mission he has embodied throughout his life.

Taking the microphone, Fr. Alain began with humility and humor. “There may be a shortage of priests in France,” he said, “but not today, since the SMA Fathers have come in number to celebrate with us.” Quoting Psalm 90, he reminded the assembly that “the days of our years are seventy, and for the most vigorous, eighty.” With a twinkle in his eye, he added, “Perhaps today we should say ninety or even one hundred for the robust among us!”

He then shared tender memories of his birth in Haute-Loire in August 1945, in a house without a maternity ward. With the candor of a storyteller, he recounted how a serious chill nearly took his life only three days after birth—until a village doctor applied a mustard poultice that saved him. “So if ever you find my words a little strong,” he joked, “remember, it’s because I was wrapped in mustard as a newborn!”

But behind the humor lay a lifetime of gratitude: “I thank the Lord for these 80 years, for the grace of priesthood, and for the many missions entrusted to me: 28 years in Côte d’Ivoire, years in Lyon, Chaponost, and here in Vaulx-en-Velin. For 54 years, God has walked with me.”

Brothers in mission

His confrères, priests of the SMA, paid their own heartfelt tributes. Fr. Dieudonné Baloitcha, the parish priest reminded him, with friendly jealousy, not to forget his two years in Bénin. “Yes, yes, of course!” Fr. Alain laughed, recalling that his very first encounter with Africa had been in Porto-Novo.

The new Provincial, Fr. Augustin Placide Houessinon, spoke with warmth: “In the name of the SMA family, we thank God for the gift of your life, your ministry, and your presence among us. Today you celebrate your oak jubilee—and we ask the Lord to multiply his grace upon you.” His words carried greetings from Côte d’Ivoire, where the missionary seed of the gospel he planted in his spiritual sons such as Fr. Hervé Abou Yepi joined in spirit to rejoice with their beloved missionary.

A celebration of unity in diversity

The Eucharist was enriched by the voices of a multicultural choir, whose songs in Goun and Baoulé echoed Fr. Alain’s missionary journey. Fr. Eric Aka, Vice-Provincial of Lyon Province, preached the homily, sending all present forth as “missionaries of social justice.”

The parish of Vaulx-en-Velin—home to over sixty nationalities—stood as a living image of the Church’s diversity and unity. Among those gathered were Our Lady of Apostles sisters, Catechist Missionary sisters of the Sacred Heart and Servants of Mary sisters, where Fr. Alain has long ministered, and members of the Fraternité Laïque Missionnaire (FLM), whom he once accompanied as chaplain.

A beloved pastor

Affectionately called a “darling of the parishioners,” Fr. Alain is seen as a voice of wisdom and a steady presence, even as he now lives alongside two younger confrères. His 80th birthday became not only a personal milestone, but a moment for the community to celebrate their shared journey with him.

Joy around the table

After Mass, the celebration continued in the parish hall and garden, where tables overflowed with food and laughter. Parishioners, missionaries, sisters, and friends sat side by side, embodying the fraternity that Fr. Alain has nurtured throughout his life.

As the afternoon sun bathed the gathering, one could feel the depth of what had just been celebrated: a life given to mission, a heart open to all, and a community made stronger by his presence.

Eighty years. Fifty-four years of priesthood. Countless friendships and missions. And still, as the Provincial reminded him, a mission that continues—today, as always, for the justice and love of the Gospel.

By Dominic Wabwireh