Much is to tell about the organization's history. I am coming up with a more comprehensive one as soon as I get to compile all the details from various sources regarding the Knights of the Altar of Sto. Rosario Parish, Cebu, Philippines. To give a brief history, please bear with my limitations for I am basing this from my own knowledge.

When I joined as an acolyte of Sto. Rosario Parish way back around 1996. I was in my grade 6 going 1st year high school - summer 1996. It was my father who got me into serving in the church. He was already a newly invested Lay minister at the moment.

The organization's name is Knights of the Altar - Rosarians Organization of Young Altar Liturgists' (KOA-ROYAL). As with other organizations, it is abided by its rules and regulations or by-laws dedicated to the welfare of the young boys. The by-laws was created by a responsible set of officers. at that time, we have these seniors like kuya Fritz, kuya Jimmy, kuya Francis, kuya Tetel, kuya Kelly, kuya Odick and others to many to mention. There were also other senior members whom had left the organization before I became a member. They too have made a major contribution to the organization. These senior members or Kuya's were responsible for guiding us young boys and especially the new members. I was 12 years old at that time.

Previously we had our dressing room within the parking area right beside the old prayer room. The Parish Priest at that time was Msgr. Esteban S. Binghay. Much has happened during those periods. The officers together with the cooperation of us members, have worked together so as to make better our service to the church and to the Lord. I remember before, every Sunday morning we the members, around 50 of us lined-up for our inspection by our Kuya's. Rosaries, white handkerchief, and scapular our required for us to bring. White polo for the aspirants, white t-shirt, black slacks and black leather shoes, are our uniforms. Our Kuya's imposed strict discipline unto us, we young boys need that.

Now I'm at my near 20's. I have seen young boys grown up together with me in the church. Boys come and go in the organization due to inactiveness, suspension to being dropped out, and some because they have already graduated college and that they have already other priorities in life. That is a fact. We all come and go. While I on my part, in as much I don't want to leave the organization but my time will come. So now I'm making the fullest of my time while I am still an acolyte.

We elect our president every year. I have been with kuya Fritz, Jimmy, Francis, Odick and Osabal. Each of them have done an important part of the organization. Now they are in there own ways outside the organization. Every president together with his officers have there own way of  implementing authority and discipline towards the members. The Parish Priest also, they come and go. It was Msgr. Binghay for many years, then followed by Bishop Palma. Bishop Du and Bishop Cabahug replaced Bishop  Palma - after one year of service to the parish. The same we they acolytes' officers, the parish have also a memorable experience with them .Currently we have Bishop Julito B. Cortes as our Parish Priest.

The past presidents' of KOA-ROYAL have contributed a lot in forming and laying the foundation of the present KOA-ROYAL. I have also been given the privilege to lead my fellow young boys for 3 consecutive terms as president. I replaced kuya Odick, right after he graduated from college. kuya Odick was my mentor. now, presently kuya Michael Clitar replaced me as  president.

Our parents have long been with us since. They guide us and support us in our activities. There organization's name is Altar Liturgists' Parents Home-owners Association (ALPHA). Before we have tatay Librando since from the start, then was replace by my father for one year, then back to tatay Librando again. Now we have our ever responsible and ever supportive tatay Joey Gara (Dean's Father), who replaced tatay Librando. Together also with us was our Spiritual Director. Previously we have tatay Mars Namocatcat. He is a lay minister of the parish. He has been with us for many years. He is always there for us in our weekly practices, activities and liturgical celebration to assists us. Due to the new administration system of the parish- the Team Ministry, tatay Mars was replace with Fr. Lim then to Fr. Raypan then to Fr. Sestoso and now to Fr. Arnie Visitacion.

Today, we are looking forward towards a renewed line-up of acolytes, after the deliberation done by Fr. Arnie Vistacion, tatay Joey Gara, and with the new set of officers. Many have not passed but more have remained with us. Let us hope that they will still be with us longer to serve with the Lord.

KOA-ROYAL Forever. KV

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