A Brief History
The Association was founded in 1908 in Manchester, originally as The Chums Benevolent Association. Two years later, it adopted the present title of The Catenian Association. Taking its name from the Latin catena for a chain, the Association is organised into local "Circles".
Circles are grouped into provinces, and there are circles in the British Isles, Australia, Malta, Hong Kong and Africa.
The Catenians are a brotherhood of Catholic men who meet socially at least once a month, to foster and develop social bonds among members and their families. Each Circle organises its own social activities and meetings, but never loses contact with other circles or its immediate Catholic community. Most activities are family oriented, providing excellent opportunities to develop friendships within a Catholic context. This enables Catholic men and their families to meet others with similar values and become part of a life-long network of support.
Each member is free to attend any Circle in the world. More often, Catenians are active within their own Circle and province, and usually attend meetings and functions which are based in their locality. Such events may include dinners, guest speakers, trips, visits to theatres, Mass and retreats.
Catenians must be practising Roman Catholics. Prospective members must be sponsored by a Catenian.
