McDonnell, Mark, c.1872-1947, Capuchin priest

Francis McDonnell was born in the town of Carrigaline in County Cork in 1872. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans in September 1889 and took Mark as his religious name. He was ordained to the priesthood on 2 July 1896. Shortly after his ordination, he took charge of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade on Church Street in Dublin. Following the Provincial Chapter of 1904, he was appointed guardian (local superior) of the Capuchin community in Kilkenny. He subsequently returned to Dublin and served as guardian of the Church Street Friary from 1919 to 1922. He was twice elected Provincial Definitor (councillor), from 1922-5 and from 1925-8. He was an active member of the Capuchin missionary staff and was well known as a preacher and retreat giver throughout the country. He died in Dublin on 12 June 1947 and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Baptismal name: Francis McDonnell
Religious name: Fr. Mark McDonnell OFM Cap.
Date of birth: c.31 Mar. 1872
Place of birth: Carrigaline, County Cork
Name of father: John McDonnell
Name of mother: Margaret McDonnell (née Riordan)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 8 Sept. 1889
Date of first profession: 1 Jan. 1891
Date of final profession: 9 June 1895
Date of ordination (as priest): 2 July 1896
Leadership positions: Provincial Definitor (Councillor), 1922-5, 1925-8
Date of death: 12 June 1947
Place of death: Jervis Street Nursing Home, Dublin
Place of burial: Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin