The ACYC HISTORY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1989, the group Legion of Mary (LOM) was organized and was operationalized on August 13 of the same year. Mr. Redentor Cando also was known as kuya Reden was the one who organized the group under St. Joseph Cathedral, Diocese of Butuan.

 

The group aims at helping young men and women to develop their lives through a Christian way of living.  Because of his optimistic way of adhering the groups’ aim, many young men and women were encouraged to join the group.

 

One year after, kuya Reden is stepping towards another journey in his life, reason why he can no longer give his full attention to the group. That is why he decided to look for someone who can help him in administering the group. One of his students in Religious subject got his attention. This man has really that potential to become a Good Samaritan. A Samaritan whom he pointed out is no other than Mr. Marcelino Semine also known as kuya Mars. Then he decided to invite kuya Mars to help him in his endeavor. From then on, kuya Mars has undergone several pieces of training and activities which motivated him to continue what has been started by kuya Reden.

 

For 3 years of operation, the group conducted several recollections, meetings, practices, and seminars that help develop each member’s lives and especially the group. Likewise, the group also joined the Parish Youth Council of St. Joseph Cathedral, Diocese of Butuan to strengthen more its institutional involvement and to seek the institutional power of opportunities that the council may offer in helping the group in the attainment of developmental programs and projects in the year 1992.

 

A time comes; kuya Mars has to decide which to prioritize, either to devote his full time to the group or in his schooling. But even kuya Mars chose to prioritize his schooling, he's still found time to supervise the group with the help of kuya Reden but not enough to fully supervise the group. This was the reason why the group leaves hanging because of some inappropriate actions that call the attention of the higher officials of the Parish.

 

The Officials found out that the group is performing actions that are a no longer good example to everyone. Thus, because of these findings, the higher official of the parish called the attention of kuya Mars, kuya Reden and the members involved. Fr. Dennis who was the parish youth chaplain at that time convened a meeting to settle the issues and to come up with concrete decisions to address the problem.

 

Kuya Reden was not able to attend the meeting because he was attending the congregation of the priest. That is why kuya Mars along with the members were able to attend the meeting. After the meeting, kuya Mars consulted kuya Reden with regards to the group status. He also relayed to kuya Reden that in order to continue the group service, the group must provide a name other than the Legion of Mary Choir.

 

Then he suggested the name Amo Cantare Youth Choir, a Latin word which means “Amo” I Love and “Cantare” To Sing. The group's name was submitted to Fr. Dennis for approval. The Parish together with the Parish Youth Council officer instructed the group to gather at least 50 members to rationalize the new group name.

 

Kuya Mars was so eager to come up with 50 aspirants to join the group. Kuya Reden instructed him to conduct and invite young men and women who are willing to serve God without any reservation.  And with God’s grace, he was able to gather and even more active members.

 

From then on, with the approval of the Parish and the council, the group was reorganized on October 27, 1997, with its new name, the Amo Cantare Youth Choir.