Norwich Catenians Celebrate 100 Years at Gala Dinner

The Norwich Circle of the Catenian Association marked its 100th anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Top of the Terrace, overlooking the pitch at Norwich City Football Club.

The celebration brought together more than 160 guests, including clergy, civic leaders, and Catenians from across the country, who joined brothers, wives, families, and friends in a joyful evening of fellowship and thanksgiving.

Among the distinguished guests were the Bishop of East Anglia, Rt Rev Peter Collins; the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Paul Kendrick and GBNC President Gerry McCormack. 

Before the loyal toast, Vice President Tony Baker read out messages of congratulation received from Catenians across the world. Particularly moving were papal blessings. His Holiness Pope Francis, shortly before his death in February, sent his prayers and apostolic blessing. Just days later, a further blessing arrived from his successor, Pope Leo XIV – believed to be a unique occurrence, with two Popes sending greetings to the same Catenian event.

Warm wishes were also received from Buckingham Palace. King Charles III expressed his hope that members of the Norwich Circle would enjoy “a most enjoyable gathering” on this landmark occasion.

The Norwich Circle of the Catenians was inaugurated on 21 May 1925 at the Café Royal in London Street, Norwich. Dinner on that first evening cost seven shillings and sixpence. Among the 21 founder members was Louis Marchesi, who later went on to establish the Round Table movement.

The Circle’s early meetings were held monthly at Mortimer’s Hotel in St Giles. Supper was priced at two shillings and sixpence, with a levy of one shilling for the first drink, surplus funds going towards entertaining visitors. By 1948, meetings were recorded as being held without ritual or regalia – and smoking was permitted!

Over the past 100 years, the Norwich Circle has welcomed generations of Catholic men committed to faith, friendship, and support for one another and the wider community.

The centenary dinner was not only a chance to look back over a century of history, but also an opportunity to give thanks and look forward. With messages from the Pope, the King, and fellow Catenians across the world, it was a night that will long be remembered by all who were present.

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