St. Louis, Mo., Aug 8, 2023 / 05:00 am
A Louisiana priest who was killed in a car accident last Wednesday is being remembered in his home diocese for his commitment to the truth as taught by the Catholic faith as well as his unwavering devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Father Mark Beard, 62, was pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite City, Louisiana, about an hour northeast of Baton Rouge. Bishop Michael Duca announced Beard’s death on Aug. 2.
During what was to be his final Sunday Mass on July 30, Beard preached about not being “on the fence” when it comes to faith in Christ, telling the congregation that “the only thing that matters is your soul.”
“Please, for the love of God remember this. The nanosecond after you and I die … you have already been judged, and you are in heaven, hell, or purgatory, that’s it … I’m telling you, you can’t pick and choose. Either he’s the great I Am, or he’s not; you can’t go running both ways.”