About our community.

Everyone is welcome at our table.

The word "Cana" is taken from the biblical story of the Wedding Feast of Cana. The story provides the narrative for our approach to delivering our mission, that is central to our mission is the idea that everyone's life deserves to be celebrated, and that miracles are possible. We focus on the right of every human being to receive forgiveness and the opportunity to share experiences through relationships which nurture dignity, hope and a sense of belonging.

Our choice is always for the person with the least options.

The community was founded in 1975 by Mark Brereton, a Dominican brother who dreamt of a ‘place with an open door’, able to welcome anyone who came. This was the first de Porres House. Later Br Mark was joined by Fr Brian Stoney SJ, a Jesuit priest and Sr Anne Jordan PBVM a Presentation sister.

Today – nearly 50 years later - we are still largely volunteer led and run, and very much committed to our founding principles.