A Golden Evening of Faith and Fellowship at Norwich Catenian Circle
The historic Assembly House in Norwich provided an elegant backdrop for the Norwich Circle of the Catenian Association’s annual Clergy and Ladies’ Night on Thursday, November 20th. The distinguished venue, with its Georgian splendor and rich history at the heart of Norwich’s cultural landscape, proved to be the perfect setting for an evening dedicated to recognition, remembrance, and renewal of the bonds that have united this Catholic lay organization for generations. As members and guests arrived, many paused to admire the building’s magnificent façade before entering into the warmth of fellowship that has characterized the Catenian Association since its founding in Manchester in 1908.
The evening’s centerpiece was an emotional and inspiring ceremony honoring Brother John Kenny for his remarkable half-century of dedication to the Catenian ideals. Provincial Director Mike Evans presented Brother John with a commemorative scroll that symbolized not merely longevity but a lifetime of service, friendship, and faith-filled commitment. As Brother John received this recognition, many present reflected on how his fifty-year journey mirrored the Association’s own evolution while maintaining its core principles of mutual support among Catholic professional men. Brother John, visibly moved by the tribute, shared brief reminiscences of his early days in the Circle and the profound friendships that had sustained him through life’s challenges and celebrations alike. His humility in accepting the honor exemplified the Catenian spirit of service without expectation of reward.
The gathering was further blessed by the distinguished presence of Bishop Peter Collins, whose attendance underscored the vital connection between the Catenian Association and the broader Church community. Accompanying the Bishop were nine clergy members whose participation reinforced the special relationship between the laity and religious leadership that has always been central to the Catenian mission. The religious leaders present not only added dignity to the proceedings but also engaged warmly with members and guests, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that strengthens both the Association and the Church. Informal conversations throughout the evening touched on parish developments, community initiatives, and the shared vision of faith in action that unites clergy and laity in their common Catholic identity and purpose.
In a particularly poignant dimension of the gathering, several widows of deceased Brothers were welcomed with special warmth and attention, ensuring that the bonds of fellowship extended beyond current membership to embrace those whose loved ones had contributed to the Circle’s rich legacy. This thoughtful inclusion reflected the Catenian commitment to lifelong brotherhood that transcends even death itself. Throughout the evening, these honored guests shared memories of their husbands’ involvement in the Circle, creating a beautiful thread of continuity between past and present. Their presence served as a living reminder of the Association’s founding principle that Catenian brotherhood supports not just individual members but their entire families through all of life’s transitions.
The elegant dinner that followed the formal presentations provided ample opportunity for the strengthening of old friendships and the formation of new ones across the generations represented in the room. Conversations flowed easily between discussions of faith matters and more lighthearted exchanges, demonstrating the Catenian ability to balance spiritual purpose with genuine conviviality. The Assembly House’s renowned culinary excellence added to the celebratory atmosphere, with each course providing not just nourishment but an occasion for shared appreciation and conversation. Music subtly enhanced the ambiance without overpowering the true soundtrack of the evening—the animated discussions, heartfelt laughter, and occasional moments of reflective silence that marked a gathering of people united in purpose and belief.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a tangible sense that this was more than just an annual social event—it represented the living continuity of Catholic fellowship that has sustained the Norwich Circle through changing times and circumstances. Brother John Kenny’s fifty-year milestone stood as testimony to the enduring relevance of the Catenian vision, while the presence of clergy, family members, and friends demonstrated its continued vitality and reach. The evening embodied the Association’s founding values of friendship, faith, and mutual support, proving that these principles remain as meaningful in today’s complex world as they were when the first Catenian Circle was formed more than a century ago. As members and guests reluctantly said their goodbyes, many expressed gratitude for an occasion that had nourished both their social connections and their spiritual identities—a true celebration of what it means to be part of the worldwide family of Catenian brothers and sisters.
