Malabon parish apologizes for Easter ritual that reportedly killed a dove
MANILA, Philippines — The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon issued a public apology after receiving a criticism from an animal welfare group.
The flak was drawn after a live dove was reportedly harmed and killed during the Easter Sunday ‘Salubong’ presentation of the church on April 5.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (Paws) earlier expressed shock over news that the bird was tied to a string, its wings “forcibly spread,” and hoisted as part of its ritual in unveiling the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The dove was then tied to balloons, which were released, reportedly resulting in its death.
The apology from Malabon parish on Wednesday read, “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.”
The apology, posted on the parish’s Facebook, did not include the name or signature of its Parish Priest Fr. Mariano “Jun” Bartolome.
The apology also reiterated that Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David was unaware that the dove was tied to the balloons.
The parish expressed apologies to the cardinal as well.
Diocese of Kalookan’s response
On Tuesday, the Diocese of Kalookan, under which the parish falls, also issued an apology ahead of the Malabon church on Tuesday.
It said, “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.”
The statement clarified that Cardinal David, who was present at the event, only witnessed the unveiling from below the pagoda and was not aware of the subsequent actions.
The cardinal was quoted to having objected to the practice, “noting that it is not only harmful to the animal, but also to the environment, particularly to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons.”
Live pigeons were traditionally used as a “safer and less distressing alternative” to a child in an angel costume, but it was presumed the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling.
Next Easter rituals
Meanwhile, the parish said it would stop the practice of releasing balloons.
“There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations, and the dove will be released immediately after the unveiling,” the diocese said.
For its part, Paws is calling for more humane approaches to religious practices.
It emphasized that “cruelty has no place in any type of gathering.”
It also urged communities to uphold kindness toward all living creatures.
“While PAWS respects the 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,” the animal welfare group pointed out.
The INQUIRER also reached out via email to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for a statement.
It has yet to reply as of writing. /apl
