💘 From Heartache to Hope: One Woman’s Mission to Guide Catholics Toward Marriage

At 45, Patty Montagno believed marriage and motherhood were in her future. But life had other plans. What began as a personal heartache became a powerful catalyst as she learned “to trust God through the journey.” From that trust, Cana Connections was born—a Catholic matchmaking service rooted in faith, intentionality, and divine purpose

 

Inspired by the wedding feast at Cana and grounded in the Dominican virtue of veritas (“truth”), Patty created a matchmaking mission that treats marriage as a sacred covenant. Her goal? Foster matches that reflect God’s vision for lifelong, holy unions.

 

A New York City transplant, Patty’s lifetime of forming meaningful bonds led her to this calling. Hearing Father Mike Schmitz’s homily—a nudge to use your gifts for others—shifted everything. Though her own marital journey had been painful, she felt called to help others find love, even if she hadn’t found it herself.

 

Cana Connections embraces the elegance of traditional, purposeful matchmaking. Here’s how it works:

 

1. Profile creation – Free to join, a member completes a thoughtful questionnaire (about 50 open-ended questions) about faith life, values, hopes, and personal story—designed to let Patty truly understand each individual
   
   

2. Curated matches – Patty reviews profiles, identifies promising matches, and discreetly introduces the individuals, sharing a summary and photo. If both say yes, contact information is exchanged with her help .
   
   

3. Safety and sincerity – Every member undergoes a background check, and Patty conducts a virtual screening to ensure authenticity and integrity
   

Reading through these heartfelt stories moves Patty deeply: “I can hear the longing and the pain... but also the beautiful desire for sacred love. That gives me so much hope,” she says

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To those still waiting for “the one,” Patty offers this gentle guidance: view this season as an invitation to deepen your relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and trusting in His timing .

 

Her dream for Cana Connections? To be “an instrument helping Catholics find spouses who will grow in holiness together, journey toward Heaven—and become the people God created them to be.” Patty is convinced that through God’s grace, her gifts and past pains are being used for a purpose greater than herself

 

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The (Holy) Dating Problem No One Wants to Admit

 

Let’s be real:

 

👩 Faithful Catholic women?
Plenty.

👨 Faithful, single Catholic men actively looking for a wife?

Somewhere between “rare” and “possibly mythological.”

 

Patty knew this, so instead of blaming God, she built a mission.

 

✨ Why This Story Matters

 

• Transforming pain into purpose: Patty’s journey from personal struggle to a mission-centered life shows how God can repurpose our deepest wounds for the greater good.
  
  

• A prayerful, values-driven approach: By weaving faith and intentionality into matchmaking, she’s fostering relationships built on shared beliefs and spiritual growth.
  
  

• Empowering the waiting season: Patty’s encouragement to use the waiting period as spiritual formation offers a profound shift—from seeking a spouse to growing closer to God.
  
  

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Final Thought: In a world overflowing with dating apps and swipe culture, Cana Connections stands apart by offering a prayerful, discerning path to love—a reminder that true, lasting relationships are worth the wait and worth the intentional investment.