Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago
Summary of Assignments:
- 5/5/1954: Ordained
- 1954-1961: Sacred Heart (German) in Chicago, IL
- 1961-1962: St. Sebastian’s in Chicago, IL
- 1962-1964: St. Linus in Oak Lawn, IL
- 1964-1968: St. Teresa’s in Chicago, IL
- 1968-1971: Our Lady of Grace in Chicago, IL
- 1971-1974: St. Lambert’s in Skokie, IL
- 1974-1984: St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette, IL
- 1984-1985: St. Joseph’s in Round Lake, IL
- 1985-1990: St. Thomas of Villanova in Palatine, IL
- 1990-1992: Mater Christi in North Riverside, IL
- 1992-1997: Retired
- 12/2/1997: Died
Notes: Named abuser in Archdiocesan Report 3/20/06. Per documents released 11/14, in 1963 Braun “attempted immorality ” with 14-yr-old male hitchhiker. Boy’s father & police agreed not to press charges if church handled problem. Admitted to sex with young boys as early as 1956. Would pick boys up in car after school and abuse, including sodomy, in car or in Forest Preserves. Placed on leave, sent to treatment, reinstated as assistant Lincoln Park parish. Moved among a number of Chicago parishes, then Wilmette pastor. Alcoholic, began work with others in alcohol treatment at Lakeshore Hospital in 1970s. Pastor in Round Lake, Palatine, North Riverside. Retired 1992, lived in IL & FL. Man came forward 1992 re abuse in 1960, age 13. In 1994 a woman reported to church abuse mid-1960s, age 4. Bernardin ordered restrictions. In 1995, man reported mid-1960s abuse. age 10. Died 1997. By 2008 two more men had come forward, one re 1954 abuse, age 12, the other re early 1980s abuse, at age 22.
Sources: Chicago Archdiocesan Report 03.20.06; Chicago Sun-Times 03.21.06; Chicago Tribune 03.21.06; Wilmette LIfe 11.06.14; Daily Herald 11.07.14; Archdiocese of Chicago Documents 11.11.14; BA.org Assignment Record; Braun Personnel File; http://bishopaccountability.org/