 Br. Alphonsus Joseph Gustav Braun, OP
Many members of the Province and most visitors to St. Dominic’s Church in San
Francisco identify Br. Alphonsus with this church, the outstanding architectural edifice
in the Western Province. For almost 20 years,
he was the custodian of the church and responsible for the decoration of the altar,
especially at Christmas and Easter, a work that brought him much happiness and gave a
special grace and inspiration to the liturgical festivities.
A native of Berchtesgaden,
Germany, Alphonsus was born on July 10, 1900, the son of Sebald Braun and Rose von
Wenninger. In 1931, he became a naturalized
citizen in Honolulu, Hawaii, married and pursued a successful business career. After the death of his wife, he joined the Order in
1957 as a Third Order donatus, and spent 13 years in that state. He requested and was granted first profession in
1970, and received special permission to make solemn profession in 1972 at St.
Dominic’s, San Francisco. There he was to have the rare distinction of serving
his entire Dominican life in the assignment he treasured so highly, taking care of the
sacristy and church. From early morning till
the close of each day, he faithfully tended to the needs of both the Dominican community
and the many visitors--famous or unknown, royal or forgotten--who came to St.
Dominic’s.
Being made an extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and then receiving the minor
ministries meant a great deal to him in his later years.
Every detail pertaining to the care of the church and congregation came under his
scrutiny. To an earlier generation, he was known as the gentleman who attended Mass
regularly while he carried out his business profession.
To younger Dominicans, Br. Alphonsus will be remembered as the good and faithful
servant who was probably the most visible Dominican in San Francisco during those years
while he watched over his beloved St. Dominic’s
Church.
He touched the lives of many during his years of quiet service to the church and
community. Declining health and mobility led
him to the care of the Dominican Sisters of Oakford at Villa Siena in Mountain View, and
he died on January 24, 1981. He is buried in
his family plot in St. Joseph’s Cemetery
in San Pablo, California (crypt DR-116/116D).
--Fr. Albert Buckley, O.P. |
