Programs for Visiting Guests

Programs for Visiting Guests

Cana Colony Catholic Retreat Vacations for Families

A very special outreach of Madonna House is for families. In this day, with so many influences working against strong, healthy families, fathers, mothers and children need help and support in living the Gospel. Our program, called Cana Colony, provides a unique way for families to learn together how to incarnate the Gospel in daily life. This program grew out of a request by Pope Pius XII to Catherine Doherty, who advised her to “pay attention to the family, no matter what other apostolate you may be engaged in.” From this advice, Cana Colony was begun in 1954 under the direction of Fr. John Callahan.

Cana Colony offers families a chance to come together for a week in a rural wooded lakeside setting, a short distance from Madonna House. Here, they can learn about Christian community, in a rustic atmosphere. Each family occupies a simple cabin, without running water or electricity. Outdoor jons are used. A central cook shack provides running water, stoves and refrigerators for each family to use, and a communal setting for meals. Each family provides its own food and some bedding.

Photo: Cana Colony cabin and chapel

The vacation setting is pleasant, but the primary purpose is helping families to find Christ, to touch Christ. In a word, Cana exists to establish Christ in our hearts and to incarnate him in our deeds. The week's program is flexible, but there is always a priest who spends his time with the families. Every day we celebrate Mass and the priest gives an informal talk to the parents.

Photo: Cana Colony chapel interiorThe week throws families of different backgrounds together and great friendships are made. The presence of the priest adds tremendously to the graces of the week through the Eucharist and Sacraments as well as the discussions on the practical application of the Gospel to their family life.

Each week, the Madonna House staff are assisted by a “host family” who try to exemplify the spirit of Nazareth. Their contribution is unique, as they are able to speak at the “gut-level” of their experience with other families.

Cana Colony runs from July through mid-August. Reservations are required, and may be made beginning in January for the coming summer. Families are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and there is usually a waiting list.

For more insight into Cana Colony, you might be interested in the following articles, printed in our newspaper to commemorate its 50th anniversary:

For an application, please write to us at:

Cana Colony
Madonna House Apostolate
2888 Dafoe Rd
Combermere ON   K0J 1L0
Canada

Phone: 613-756-3713

Note: If you send us e-mail, please remember to include your full name and complete postal mailing address.

Related publications


CoverCatherine Doherty Talks to Families
a Cana talk by Catherine Doherty

Travel directions and map

 
Madonna House - A Training Centre for the Lay Apostolate