Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Montagno.
Hi Patty, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been told I have a gift for bringing people together—not just romantically, though I’ve had the joy of seeing many friends find love through connections I’ve made—but in all aspects of life. Whether it’s forming deep friendships, fostering community, or creating spaces where people feel truly seen and known, this has always been second nature to me.
Yet there is a deeper reason I feel so called to Catholic matchmaking. I know, in the most personal way, the ache of longing for love and sacramental marriage. I know the quiet heartbreak of waiting, wondering when—or if—my prayers for a holy spouse will be answered. I know what it feels like to be drawn to this vocation without yet seeing it fulfilled. And because I know this pain so intimately, I have a tender compassion for those who carry it too.
When I first sensed this mission stirring in my heart, I hesitated, as the irony of my own singleness did not escape me. Then I heard Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily from his On Purpose series, where he encouraged us to pursue the work we are excellent at—not for ourselves, but for the good of others. God has given purpose to my brokenness: an opportunity to serve others, strengthen the Body of Christ, and uphold the sacredness of marriage as He intended.
Marriage is more than compatibility, shared hobbies, or fleeting chemistry. It’s a vocation to self-giving love—a sacrament that mirrors Christ’s boundless love for His Church. It’s a journey through which a husband and wife grow in holiness together. The couples I hope to unite aren’t simply looking for a relationship— they’re seeking someone who embraces this sacred calling, with sacrifice, fidelity, and faith at its core.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Cana Connections officially launched on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, and we are still very much in the early stages of building our community and identifying the right matches. At this time, Cana Connections is a one-person ministry. I have a full-time job and run this on the side because I believe deeply in the mission and feel called by God to help others discern Christ-centered marriages.
Like many early-stage ventures, one of our biggest challenges is simply visibility and getting the word out to the right people. There has been a truly inspiring number of women who have submitted profiles, but we are in great need of more men to participate. That imbalance is something I am working hard to address through outreach and partnerships, especially within Catholic communities.
Another challenge is bandwidth. As one person juggling a full-time job, growing a startup, and responding to what I believe is a spiritual calling, it can be difficult to meet every request and inquiry right away. Many people do not always see what is happening behind the scenes—the hours spent reviewing profiles, responding to emails, praying for discernment, and trying to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Despite these limitations, the response has confirmed how deep the need truly is. I have received messages from Catholics not only across the U.S. but also internationally, asking if we serve their region and sharing stories about how hard it is to find someone who shares their values and is seriously discerning marriage. It is both humbling and motivating.
This is more than a business to me; it is a ministry. And I believe that if God has called me to this work, He will also provide the grace, the people, and the path to help it grow. My job is to remain faithful, even when progress feels slow or the work becomes difficult. I truly believe Cana Connections will become something beautiful, in God’s perfect timing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cana Connections is a Catholic matchmaking service dedicated to helping singles find Christ-centered unions that uphold God’s sacred vision for marriage. Through prayer and discernment, we connect couples who seek to grow in holiness together, with the hope of transforming the world through faith-filled families—ensuring that God’s truth and love continue to shape future generations.
Inspired by the Wedding Feast at Cana and grounded in the Dominican principle Veritas (truth), Cana Connections embraces God’s vision for marriage as a sacred covenant—one that calls both husband and wife to love selflessly, just as Christ did.
Founded by Patty Montagno, CEO and Chief Matchmaker, this mission is deeply personal. “I understand the longing for a holy spouse and the quiet heartbreak of waiting,” she shares. “But I believe God uses our heart’s desires to call us to mission.” Stirred by Fr. Mike Schmitz’s On Purpose homily series, Montagno launched Cana Connections as a response to that conviction. “God has given purpose to my brokenness: an opportunity to serve others, strengthen the Body of Christ, and uphold the sacredness of marriage as He intended.”
Cana Connections offers a purposeful and prayerful matchmaking process. Singles submit profiles detailing their faith and prayer life, vision for marriage, desired family life, values, passions, and dreams. Each introduction is prayerfully discerned with the intention of uniting hearts committed to serving one another in Christ’s love.
“Our mission is to guide Catholic singles in finding a spouse who will walk with them toward holiness, building faith-filled families that will renew the world,” says Montagno.
In a culture where love and marriage are often misunderstood, Cana Connections seeks to restore their sacred meaning—one holy union at a time. The Easter Monday launch symbolizes renewal and hope, echoing the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Catholic singles are invited to begin this purposeful journey at www.canaconnections.com.
What were you like growing up?
I was definitely the classic Type A, straight-A student growing up—think color-coded binders, overachiever energy, and raising my hand before the question was even finished. I was 100% a nerd until high school, when I finally learned how to ditch the glasses and the social awkwardness. Still a nerd at heart though.
I’ve always been super outgoing and extroverted—one of those kids who made friends in five minutes at the airport, grocery store, dentist’s office… anywhere. I loved presenting in class (weird, I know), and I’ve always had a knack for connecting with people, whether one-on-one or in front of a crowd.
From a young age, I was obsessed with travel and other cultures. That wanderlust never went away—I’m still endlessly curious about the world and love meeting people from totally different walks of life. I’ve been to over 50 countries at this point and all continents with the exception of Antarctica.
Also, huge animal person. I grew up with a Doberman Pinscher named Max, who was basically my four-legged sibling. He taught me everything about loyalty and maybe also a little bit about dramatic flair.
And fun fact—I’m a fourth-generation Manhattanite. My great-grandparents came over from Italy and settled in Little Italy, and I grew up nearby in the Financial District. So yes, I’m basically part Wall Street hustle, part old-school espresso and cannoli.
Beyond my professional life, I’m also a passionate cancer patient advocate. I share my family’s personal journey and offer guidance through a blog created specifically for newly diagnosed patients, helping them explore integrated treatment options with clarity and hope. It’s deeply personal work, and it reminds me every day how vital compassion and information are in moments of crisis. (https://holding-on-to-hope.com/)
Through every chapter—personal and professional—I aim to bring a spirit of empathy, innovation, and purpose to my work, rooted in the belief that meaningful impact always begins with human connection.
Pricing:
- https://canaconnections.com/how-it-works/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canaconnections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canaconnections/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cana-connections/
- Other: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264907/from-heartache-to-hope-one-woman-s-mission-to-match-catholics-for-marriage
