Father Mark Beard, a beloved pastor at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana, tragically passed away in a car accident on August 2. The news was shared by Bishop Michael G. Duca on the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Facebook page, urging prayers for Father Mark and his grieving family, friends, and parishioners.
The accident occurred around 1:30 pm on Interstate 55, near the state lines between Louisiana and Mississippi. Law enforcement confirmed the deadly wreck, which resulted in the untimely passing of the Catholic priest. According to early reports from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Father Mark was driving south on Interstate 55 when his car veered off the highway, hit a median, and collided with a culvert. The car overturned, leading to his immediate passing.
It’s known that Father Mark owned a property in Mississippi and frequently visited it. In honor of his memory, a Rosary was held at St. Helena Catholic Church on the evening of August 2.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Father Mark attended Catholic High School and later pursued his education at Louisiana State University (LSU). His friends revealed that he discovered his calling to become a priest during a vacation. Throughout his tenure as a pastor in Amite, he engaged in remarkable philanthropic work and genuinely cared for the well-being of all those he encountered.
Father Mark’s conversion to Catholicism had a profound impact on his life during a visit to Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite being initially skeptical and intending to disprove religious visionaries, he underwent a significant transformation during his time there.
Ordained in 2009, Father Mark became a respected religious leader in Amite, even delivering benedictions at Governor John Bel Edwards’ inaugurations. Tragically, his life was cut short just three days after his final sermon on July 30.
Following the news of his passing, an outpouring of tributes and condolences flooded in from people who had known Father Mark and attended his sermons. His genuine compassion and dedication brought peace and happiness to many devotees, and he will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by his presence.
