A Malabon parish, along with the diocese that oversees it, apologized for the live dove incident during its Easter “Salubong” celebration after being called out by animal welfare groups and concerned Filipinos.
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon, through its parish priest, issued a “sincere apology” for the incident that occurred during the Easter Sunday Mass on April 5.
“As Rector and Parish Priest of the Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Malabon, I wish to convey my sincere apology regarding the reported balloon-flying incident during the Salubong ritual this past Easter Sunday,” a statement posted on the parish’s Facebook on Wednesday, April 8 reads.
“We likewise apologize to our Bishop, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who was indeed present at the event but witnessed only the unveiling from below the pagoda. He was not aware of what took place afterward,” it added.
Its parish priest said that the church “has long practiced the use of a live pigeon-rather than a child dressed as an angel for several decades, even since after the Second World War, as a safer and less distressing alternative.”
“The Bishop presumed that the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling. He was therefore dismayed when it was brought to his attention that the pigeon was instead tied to a cluster of balloons, with its wings restrained, and released into the air,” the statement reads.
“Our Bishop has since expressed his objection to this practice, noting that it is not only cruel to the animal but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons,” it added.
“As a community of faith, we are reminded that our devotion must always be guided by compassion and responsibility. In caring for God’s creation, we honor the Risen Lord who calls us to protect and cherish every form of life,” the statement said.
The Diocese of Caloocan likewise expressed its “sincere apology” for the incident, adding that attaching the live dove to the balloons and restraining its wings was a “regrettable” act.
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“We extend our sincere apology for what transpired. We also clarify that Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David was present during the celebration but witnessed only the unveiling from below the pagoda and was not aware of what took place afterward,” it said in a statement on Tuesday, April 7.
“The parish has long practiced the use of a live pigeon, rather than a child dressed as an angel for several decades, even since after the Second World War, as a safer and less distressing alternative. It had been presumed that the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling,” the diocese added.
“However, it has since been brought to our attention that the pigeon was instead tied to a cluster of balloons, with its wings restrained, and released into the air. This act is regrettable,” it said.
The diocese said that Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who presided over the Mass, expressed his objection to the practice.
“Had I known, I would have objected, because this is not only cruel to the animal, but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons,” David said earlier.
“There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations, and the dove will be released immediately after the unveiling,” he added.
Meanwhile, the diocese assured the public that “appropriate steps are being taken to prevent its recurrence.”
“As a community of faith, we are reminded that our expressions of devotion must always be guided by compassion and responsibility. In caring for God’s creation, we honor the Risen Lord who calls us to protect and cherish every form of life,” it said.
David earlier said he was “not aware” that the bird was tied to the balloons and that its wings were restrained.
He also assured the public that the practice “will be discontinued.”
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) had called out the parish’s use of a live dove in the “Salubong” ceremony, in which its wings were forcibly spread with stick.
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The bird was also used to carry multiple balloons into the air, which PAWS said led to its death after being released.
“While PAWS respects and recognizes the sincerity and devotion to bring the Easter story to life, the use of a live animal in a manner that causes distress or harm is inconsistent with the values of compassion, stewardship, and care for all of creation,” it said before.
“Cruelty has no place in religious celebrations or in any type of gathering in our society. We hope that our shared values of care and devotion for the practice of faith will move us to show the same care and kindness to animals that are entrusted to us,” PAWS added.
The AKF also hoped that future celebrations of such occasions reflect “compassion for all, even to the most voiceless of God’s creations.”
The Animal Welfare Act states that it is “unlawful for any person to torture any animal” and “to neglect to provide adequate care,” among others.
It added that “any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect” shall face a jail sentence and/or be penalized for the crime.
