A Malabon church’s Easter Sunday “Salubong” ceremony drew criticism from animal advocates after a live animal was used as a prop for a presentation, which reportedly died following the event.
The incident that caught the attention of animal welfare organizations was a video of a dove being used during a traditional reenactment for a Salubong Ceremony last Easter Sunday at The Diocesan Shrine & Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon.
In the footage, the bird appeared to be tied to a rod with its wings forced to spread to simulate flight, and later attached to balloons that lifted it into the air to remove the veil covering the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an act typically performed by a child dressed as an angel or symbolized by a dove.
The animal was later reported to have died after being released.
In separate statements, animal welfare groups Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) called out the incident, raising concerns over the treatment of the animal.
“While the intention of the tradition is meaningful, this method may have caused discomfort to the animal. We hope future celebrations can reflect not only faith, but also compassion for all, even to the most voiceless of God’s creations,” AKF wrote in a Facebook post.
PAWS, for its part, described the act as an “unnatural and unnecessary” use of a live animal, calling it a “gimmicky version” of a sacred tradition.
“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,” PAWS’ statement read on Facebook.
The group emphasized that practices causing distress or harm to animals run contrary to values of compassion and stewardship upheld by many faith traditions.
“Faith traditions have long upheld kindness to all living creatures as an essential principle. In this spirit, we call for a more humane approach to religious presentation where both the solemnity of worship and the dignity and welfare of animals is maintained,” it wrote.
“Cruelty has no place in religious celebrations,” the organization said, urging a more humane approach that respects both the solemnity of worship and animal welfare.
On Wednesday, April 8, the Rector and Parish Priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon City issued a public apology following the backlash.
“I wish to convey my sincere apology regarding the reported balloon-flying incident during the Salubong ritual this past Easter Sunday,” the priest wrote.
He also clarified that Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who was present during the ceremony, was unaware of how the dove would be handled after the unveiling, as he only saw it from below a pagoda.
According to the statement, as the parish had long since used a live pigeon rather than a child for several decades as a “safer and less distressing alternative,” the cardinal had presumed the bird would be released immediately. The latter later objected and expressed his dismay upon learning it had been tied to balloons with its wings restrained.
The parish priest also underscored the importance of compassion and responsibility in religious practices, adding, “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.”
Cardinal David also expressed his regret as he acknowledged public concern for the animal’s welfare and environmental impact.
In a separate statement, he wrote, “It is regrettable. Had I been aware of this beforehand, I would not have approved. I sincerely appreciate the concern expressed for the well-being of the pigeon, as well as for the environment-particularly marine life that may be harmed by deflated balloons.”
Cardinal David also expressed hope that the public would show equal “moral urgency and collective outrage” over the loss of human lives, including those lost in the drug war and Middle East conflicts.
“Our compassion should not be selective. If we are capable of being deeply disturbed by harm done to animals and to nature, then all the more should we be moved—consistently and passionately—by the suffering and destruction of human lives,” he added.
