Customer Reviews

Among the Mescalero Apaches: The Story of Father Albert Braun, O.F.M.

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I first heard about Father Braun from my patients in Mescalero, where he is still remembered kindly.

Father Braun got along well with everyone: not only the local Mexican Americans of Tularosa but with the proud Apache who helped build St Joseph's church, which is still in use today and a local landmark.

But Father Braun was not only a missionary in one of the more rugged areas of the SouthWest, but he was a veteran of World War I and II. As war threatened, he volunteered to go with the local New Mexico National Guard who were sent to help defend Manila, and as a result he survived the "Death march" and was a POW.

This book is easy to read and is a good overview of the priest's long life. It has a lot of facts for those interested in any of the above subjects.

My main complaint is that the book is a "juvenile biography" type book, and a bit superficial. I eagerly await a better researched and nuanced book on the good Father, but in the meanwhile, for those interested in New Mexico, the Death March, the Mescalero, or church history should consider adding this to their collection.

This is part of the story of Father Albert Braun.O.F.M.He was an army chaplain in both World Wars, a great teacher, and friend to the Apaches of New Mexico. He also was a Bataan Death March survivor.

His is the true spirit of a missionary, comforter in times of dire stress, and a great builder.

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