The Catenians are one of many Catholic organisations formed in England at the beginning of the twentieth century and are still growing and thriving today. Formed in Manchester in 1908, the Catenians are this year celebrating 100 years of friendship through shared faith. It has over 10,000 members in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Southern Africa and Australia and continues to grow and expand.

It was John O’Donnell, a Manchester stockbroker, who organised the first meeting at his office near the Barton Arcade, just off Manchester’s Deansgate, an event that is celebrated by a red plaque today. With the enlightened support of the Bishop of Salford, Bishop Casartelli, who was keen to see the emerging Catholic middle class play a wider role in society, the ‘Chums’ as they were initially known rapidly grew, forming ‘Circles’ in London in 1909, Leeds, Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle in 1910. Changing their name to the Catenians, derived from the Latin ‘catena’ meaning chain, over 300 Circles and Groups are now linked as part of a worldwide fellowship.

The middle of May this year will see the largest ever gathering of Catenians and their families in Manchester to celebrate their Centenary. The Manchester Circle will lead off the celebrations with Mass in Salford Cathedral celebrated by the present Bishop of Salford, Bishop Brain. This will be followed by a series of Banquets, Balls and meetings as Catenians and their families from all over the world, more than 2000 people, meet to celebrate the anniversary. Ten per cent of the total worldwide membership will be present. The weekend will conclude with concelebrated High Mass in the Bridgewater Hall, the Chief Celebrant being His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor.

Many of the overseas visitors will be staying on in the UK, visiting friends or relatives and also exploring other areas of the country. In typical Catenian style, in many cases, they are being hosted by fellow Catenians.

David Taylor, a member from North London, will be installed as the 79th Grand President of the Association during the Conference weekend. David said ‘The Catenian Association represents a real example of what can be achieved through true fellowship. Men who join the Catenians form lifelong friendships, which transcend traditional and geographic boundaries. They are affirmed in their Faith, and their families gain by being part of a supporting community. Although we are celebrating our Centenary, we are not looking backwards but are looking forward to carry the values of our founders and our Faith into the future. We do so with every confidence that our second hundred years will be as successful as the first.’

For additional information contact:

J Mike Guerin, Tel (01625) 423461, e-mail jmikeguerin@yahoo.co.uk

The Catenian Association 024 7622 4533