Born Herman Seybold on February 6, 1903 in Dunkirk, New York, he was the son of Simon Seybold and Mary Hautman. In 1921 he entered Holy Cross Seminary in his home town. On September 9, 1923 he professed his Passionist vows and received the religious name Mark. Almost six years later in 1929 his older brother Clement Seybold was murdered by bandits in Hunan, China. A year later on March 15, 1930 Mark Seybold was ordained. After ordination he was assigned to the German foundation and ministered in Semmering, Austria for eight years as the Nazi party began to get a foothold of power. He did speak out against the party and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Warned by the United States ambassador that death might be the result, it was deemed prudent that he leave the country. Overland he went through Germany and departed through Holland. It took him a year to recover once he was back home after which he began to preach parish missions.
Birth Date:
February 6, 1903
Profession Date:
September 9, 1923
Ordination Date:
March 15, 1930
Death Date:
January 14, 1981
Religious Name:
Mark of the Holy Family Seybold