I had been watching Father Mark Beard's sermons online for a while and learned that he had passed away a few months ago.
The shock of the news – Beard was only 62 and had only been a priest for 11 years – was compounded by the sheer vitality of the man on screen.
In his absence, his word spread even wider, reaching people far beyond the borders of Louisiana. It is a profound reminder of the Christian message that life in Christ does not end with death.
There's a conviction in his voice and a vitality in his countenance that somehow keeps him from dying.
His preaching style was somewhat unconventional for a Catholic priest. It was not just passionate, it was very Pentecostal. He left the pulpit and gave himself free roam around the sanctuary, waving his arms declaratively.
he exclaimed. He was using common terminology. He mentioned movies a lot. At times he seemed to be dancing, mesmerized by God's words.
I've seen priests employ versions of this animated style, but Father Beard's expression is as if every gesture is a vestige of love for God, watching over his flock. He did it in his own strength.
words
Father Beard's story is incredible, as expressed in his short but enlightening words. autobiography.
His path to the priesthood defied expectations. He earned a master's degree in business administration from LSU and initially joined his family's businesses, Beard Engineering and United Industries. But a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 2000 set him on a path that would change his life.
It was a mission that reached deep into his soul.
By 2004, he entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, was ordained in 2009, and was ready to devote himself fully to his new life's mission. He served as pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite City, Louisiana for 12 years, transforming the church into a vibrant community that reflected his dynamic spirit.
Father Beard's voice traveled beyond the parish, especially through his sermons. What stands out is the title of his sermon, “if i was the devil”, a subtle nod to Paul Harvey's 1965 radio monologue of the same name.
“If I were the Devil, the Prince of Darkness, what deception would I use to conquer the whole world? First, I need America. I would do it by overthrowing the Church…”
Father Beard goes on to warn us about the insidious ways in which evil can creep into our lives. But his message always brings us back to hope and reminds us that with God, any darkness can be overcome.
last becomes first
In August 2023, Fr. Beard died in a car crash on Interstate 55 not far from the Louisiana-Mississippi border.
But he continues to speak to us. St. Helena Catholic Church posted 202 sermons on YouTube that averaged about 15 minutes. From there, they have been clipped, reshared, and reposted across platforms.
In his absence, his word spread even wider, reaching people far beyond the borders of Louisiana. It is a profound reminder of the Christian message that life in Christ does not end with death.
The Gospels resonate with this same theme. Jesus said in Mark's Gospel, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it” (Mark 8:35). I did.
Again in Matthew 10:39, God says to us: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” It is a call to surrender that Father Beard embodied and now embodies even in death. This is a call to action.
His legacy is not bound by this world, but extends beyond it to countless souls who now hear his voice online and are touched by his spirit. For him, death not only brought eternal life, but also a generation of powerful life among us amidst the sufferings of earthly warfare.
Where are the miracles?
Social media can be a dark place marked by division and discord, but it also opens up great possibilities. It is inherently connected, forming a vast neural network that connects billions of minds, creating something like a digital consciousness.
In this swirling digital environment, we can easily become overwhelmed by the speed and volume of information and get lost. Yet, through the noise, Father Beard's sermon cut through like a clear bell, reaching people who had never set foot in a church but were drawn to his words.
The world we live in now is both overconfident and insecure. Our institutions are in decline, our politics are automated, and our culture is adrift. This is the realm of high tech, and one often wonders, “Where are the miracles?”
The answer may be easier than we think. Miracles are found in moments of connection, in the words and actions of people who have lived with purpose. Father Beard's words shared online work as these small miracles, guiding those looking and giving hope to the weary.
last word
in him last sermonFather Beard told the congregation: For the love of God, please remember this. A nanosecond after you and I die…you've already been judged, you're in heaven, hell, or purgatory, that's all. Let me tell you, you don't get to choose. Either he is a great I Am or he is not. You can't run in both directions. ”
She also talked about abortion. Listen to this:
be reborn
There is a palpable sense of urgency in his words, reminding us to focus on the eternal and let go of the distractions of this world.
Father Beard's legacy reminds us that the truth remains the same. The Holy Spirit does not appear as a dove among doves, but as an ever-flowing essence. A friend and guide who breathes life into our lives, moving through time, art, and music, whispering to us in moments that catch us off guard.
The Holy Spirit is God's unbridled creativity, the heartbeat that lifts us up in every melody and moment of inspiration. Through the vast reach of social media, Father Beard's message is carried by the breath of the Holy Spirit, touching screens and hearts around the world.
Just as the Holy Spirit prepared the world for the coming of Christ, Father Beard's words continue to prepare us, drawing us back to God and the truth that overcomes ambiguity.
As his life and message resonate in this digital space, we are invited to encounter God both on screen and in our souls. There, Father Beard's spirit and the Holy Spirit together bring hope and direction to a world often lost.
His voice, once animated by his gestures and presence, now finds its rhythm in our ears, in our hearts, and in our lives.
Prayer to Father Mark Beard
“Give the Father eternal rest.” Mark Beard, Lord, shine your eternal light upon him. May his soul and the souls of all departed believers rest in peace through the mercy of God. Amen. ”
Father Beard's legacy reminds us that death is not the end, and that by the grace of God his words and spirit live on, offering guidance, comfort, and hope to all who will listen. It reminds me.
