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Our history

1989

In 1989, the Legion of Mary (LOM) was organized and operationalized on August 13 of the same year. Mr. Redentor Cando, also known as Kuya Reden, was the one who organized the group under St. Joseph Cathedral, Diocese of Butuan. The group aims to help young men and women develop their lives through a Christian way of living.

Due to his optimistic approach in adhering to the group's aim, many young men and women were encouraged to join.

One year later, Kuya Reden embarked on another journey in his life, making it challenging for him to give his full attention to the group. Consequently, he decided to seek assistance in administering the group and found a promising candidate among his students in Religious subjects. This individual demonstrated the potential to become a Good Samaritan, and Kuya Reden identified him as Mr. Marcelino Semine, also known as Kuya Mars. Subsequently, he invited Kuya Mars to join him in this endeavor.

Since then, Kuya Mars has undergone various training sessions and activities that have motivated him to continue what was started by Kuya Reden.

Challenges

1992

For three years of operation, the group conducted several recollections, meetings, practices, and seminars aimed at developing each member's life, especially within the group. Additionally, the group joined the Parish Youth Council of St. Joseph Cathedral, Diocese of Butuan, to enhance its institutional involvement and explore the opportunities that the council could offer in supporting the group's developmental programs and projects in the year 1992.

As time passed, Kuya Mars had to make a decision regarding his priorities, whether to devote his full time to the group or focus on his schooling. Even though Kuya Mars chose to prioritize his education, he still found time to supervise the group with the assistance of Kuya Reden. However, this was not sufficient for complete supervision. Unfortunately, due to some inappropriate actions, the group faced challenges that caught the attention of higher officials within the Parish.

Upon discovering these actions, the parish officials realized that the group's behavior was no longer setting a good example for everyone. Consequently, the higher officials of the parish summoned Kuya Mars, Kuya Reden, and the members involved. Father Dennis, who was the parish youth chaplain at that time, convened a meeting to address the issues and make concrete decisions to resolve the problem.

As Kuya Reden was attending a congregation of the priests, he couldn't attend the meeting. Hence, Kuya Mars, along with the members, represented the group. After the meeting, Kuya Mars consulted Kuya Reden about the group's status. He also conveyed to Kuya Reden that, in order to continue the group's service, a new name must be chosen, different from the Legion of Mary Choir.

Reorganization

1997

Then, he suggested the name Amo Cantare Youth Choir, a Latin phrase meaning “Amo” (I Love) and “Cantare” (To Sing). The group's name was submitted to Fr. Dennis for approval. The Parish, along with the Parish Youth Council officers, instructed the group to gather at least 50 members to justify the new group name.

Kuya Mars was eager to recruit 50 aspirants to join the group. Kuya Reden instructed him to invite young men and women willing to serve God without any reservation. With God’s grace, he successfully gathered even more active members.

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

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