About our community.

Our origins

The word Cana is taken from the biblical story of the wedding feast at Cana. Central to our mission is the belief that everyone deserves to be celebrated, and that transformation is possible — just as water was turned into wine.

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 Brian Stoney SJ, a Jesuit priest, and Anne Jordan PBVM, a Presentation sister. Together, they gifted us a mission statement that still guides and challenges us today:

Through a relational model, we create inclusive communities and nurture dignity, hope, and belonging amongst those who have struggled for acceptance.

A relational way of being

This mission statement directs us to prioritise being relational in every encounter. For us, that means recognising the sacredness in every person and valuing respectful, authentic connection. It means listening deeply and being responsive to each person’s story — their needs, challenges, strengths, and preferences.

Beyond being relational, our mission also calls us to create and to nurture. These are outcomes that are more experiential than transactional. We are called to share community, to offer acceptance, and to foster hope.

Of course, we can provide a variety of practical supports depending on an individual’s particular needs — be it safe accommodation, shared meals, continuity of healthcare, education and work opportunities, reconnection with family, and pathways into longer-term housing. Once a connection is established, we don’t put limits on the support we will consider offering if it helps someone heal.

By working relationally in this way, we help create the necessary conditions for change and growth. We also know progress is rarely a straight line. There are ups and downs to be navigated. Much of our work unfolds in small steps, the impact of which may not be immediately visible. Our relationships aren’t time-bound. Often there is no end point — just a journey we share together.

This is how we remain faithful to the mission our founders entrusted to us.