Malabon parish apologizes for cruelty to Easter pigeon
The Diocese of Kalookan apologized to the public on Tuesday after the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon was found to have been cruel to a creation of God during a parochial event on Easter on April 5.
The diocese released an apology after the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) expressed shock at how the diocese tied a pigeon tied to a string with its wings “forcibly spread” and hoisted as part of the ritual to unveil the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, resulting in the bird’s death.
“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 went on.
PAWS, calling for more humane approaches to religious presentations, emphasized that “cruelty has no place in any type of gathering” and urged communities to uphold kindness toward all living creatures.
The diocese, headed by Kalookan bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, 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 said the cardinal was present at the event but was not aware of the apparent cruelty displayed on Christendom’s most important celebration.
Bigger impact
The bishop was quoted objecting 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.
The parish issued an apology on Wednesday, saying: “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 page, did not include the name of the parish priest Fr. Mariano Bartolome.
The parish also apologized to Cardinal David as it reiterated that the prelate was unaware the dove was tied to the balloons.
The parish has committed to discontinue the balloon release practice.
“There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations,” the diocese said.
