Order
of the Knights of Rizal
A brief History
The history of the Order of the Knights of Rizal goes
back to December 30, 1911 when Colonel Antonio Torres organized a group
of men from different walks of life for the purpose of commemorating in
the fitting manner the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. During Rizal Day
celebrations, this group would be seen on horse back, reminiscent of the
knights of old known for their chivalry and exemplary life. On November
16, 1916, the same group organized the “Orden de Caballeros
de Rizal” with Colonel Antonio Torres as its first Supreme
Commander.
On June 14, 1951, President Elpidio
Quirino signed into law Republic Act 646 which officially gave the Order
of the Knights of Rizal the legislative authority to propagate the
ideals and teachings of the Philippine’s National Hero, Dr. Jose P.
Rizal, and make them form part of Filipino values, culture, and
traditions.
Every Knight has a mission to fulfill; to
study the Ideals and Teachings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and to propagate
them among all classes of the Filipino people, and others who would want
to follow Dr. Rizal’s ideals of justice, freedom, honesty, integrity,
and unity, and his teachings, specially on “love of God and Country”
as enshrined in his thought-provoking question; What shall you reply
to God when He tells you, "I have suffered harsh death for
saving humanity. What have you done for your brothers and sisters?”
The Order has expanded considerably since
the early 50’s. Chapters of the Order have been organized not only all
over the Philippines, but also in foreign countries in Asia, Australia,
Europe, & North America, having as members, foreign nationals who are
ardent admirers of our foremost National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. In 1991,
the Winnipeg Chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal started with
nine officers and members, having Sir Dr. Roland Guzman as its founder
and first Chapter Commander. In 1994, the Winnipeg Chapter, with Sir
Dr. Romy Magsino as Chapter Commander and Sir Dr. Roland Guzman as Area
Commander, hosted the International Assembly of the Knights of Rizal,
and in 1996 was given an Award as “The Most Outstanding
Chapter” by the Supreme Council of the Order of the
Knights of Rizal. On April 10, 2006, it was incorporated in the Province of Manitoba
as the “Order of the Knights of Rizal,
Winnipeg
Chapter, Inc.” On September 1 – 3, 2006, at the 15th
International Assembly of the Knights of Rizal held in
Jersey City, N.J., U.S.A., Sir Rev. Neil Parado, KCR,
was given the “Distinguished Service Medal of Rizal”
and the Citation Certificate as “The Most Outstanding
Chapter Commander for Canada Region” for the Rizalian Year
2005 – 2006.
(Reprinted from the Souvenir Program of
the 10th Annual International Assembly of the Order of the Knights of
Rizal).
