AMITE, La. — A priest at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite died in a car accident Wednesday afternoon.
Father Mark Beard died in the crash on I-55 near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line.
His death comes just three days after delivering his homily on Sunday.
“Bishop Michael G. Duca is saddened to report that Rev. Mark Beard, pastor at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, was killed this afternoon in an automobile accident. The bishop asks for prayers for Fr. Beard and his family, parishioners, and friends who mourn his loss,” The Diocese of Baton Rouge said in a released statement.
Father Beard was ordained in 2009 and delivered the benedictions at the first and second inaugurations of Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Beard, who was a Baton Rouge native, began at St. Helena in 2011, two years after being ordained, and was credited with revitalizing the church.
He was often seen with Edwards during his first campaign for governor in 2015.
"He saved many souls and brought them closer to God during his 13 years with us. A huge, huge loss to our community. Please pray for the repose of his soul," St. Helena Catholic Church said in a statement released Thursday.
"I know that a lot of people are very distraught now," Governor Edwards said Wednesday night. "The faith teaches you that a priest like Father Mark is just opening the door to everlasting life. That gives you comfort and peace. But it doesn't take away all the sorrow that people have."
Father Mark Beard was 62.
A public visitation will be held in Baton Rouge on Thursday from 8:30-11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m.
Another visitation will be held in Amite the following day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
Father Beard will be buried at Amite Memorial Gardens immediately following.
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