History:

CATENA was founded in July 1961 by three Grand Lodges from Germany, the Netherlands and Austria which adhere to the basic principles of the equal standing of men and women in Freemasonry.

These Grand Lodges were:

• HUMANITAS" Freimaurergrossloge für Frauen und Männer in Deutschland
• Nederlandse Grootloge der Gemengde Vrijmetselarij NGGV
• Österreichischer Universaler Freimaurerorden "HUMANITAS

CATENA is an international association of Grand Lodges and independent Lodges, with all true Masonic traditions being respected without any one member lodge claiming a dominant position.

The official name of this Association is International Masonic Union CATENA.