Three brothers were ordained to the priesthood on Wednesday, Sept. 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Avenido siblings Rev. Jestonie, Rev. Jessie James, and Rev. Jerson Rey were ordained by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan at the San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City.

In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Cabantan said many were amazed that three brothers will be ordained to the priesthood and that it even caught the attention of the media.

"I think it has caught the attention of some media outlets first time to hear that there are three brothers who will receive the sacred ordination to the presbyterate," he said.

"In fact, this is also my first time to ordain three brothers to the priesthood," added Cabantan.

The prelate said the ordination of the Avenido brothers was a gift from the Lord.

"Indeed, this is really a gift from the Lord as we celebrate 500 Years if Christianity. The Lord has gifted us with the gift of priesthood. We thank God above all who is the source of this vocation and ministry," he said.

Cabantan then issued this remider to the new priests: "We do not become angels after ordination..we remain who we are."

"Through this grace of ordination, we can see the movements of the spirit, both the impulse of human nature, and the impulse of the holy spirit is what propels our lives as priests," he said.

"Yes, we still do have our weaknesses but at the same time the grace of ordination will always help us, support us, and sustain us," added Cabantan.

As priests, he said, their accountability is to be fishers of men.

"Our accountability first of all is to God who calls us to gather people to the Lord and not to us," Cabantan said.

"Our accountability is first to God and the rest will follow. So we hope in this ordination, through the intercession of Mama Mary, she will help you become truly a holy and loving priests," he added.