Malabon parish apologizes for tying bird to balloons during Easter Salubong

The Diocese Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon on Wednesday apologized for tying a pigeon’s wings to balloons that were released during the Salubong Mass on Easter Sunday.

“I wish to convey my sincere apology regarding the reported balloon-flying incidents during the Salubong ritual this past Easter Sunday,” parish priest Fr. Mariano Bartolome Jr. said in a Facebook post.

He said the parish has been using live pigeons, rather than a child dressed as an angel, during the removal of the veil from the image of the Sorrowful Mother since the end of World War II as a “safer and less distressing alternative.”'

“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,” Bartolome said.

The parish also apologized to Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, who expressed his objection to the practice.

In a social media post, David said he would not have approved of the practice had he been aware of it.

“People have reacted strongly – and rightly so – to the use of a pigeon in place of a child for the unveiling of the image of the Sorrowful Mother during the Salubong ritual in one of our parishes, especially the way it was bound and released with balloons carrying the black veil. It is regrettable. Had I been aware of this beforehand, I would not have approved,” the prelate said.

“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. I share this concern for the care of creation, and I have directed our communities accordingly,” he added.

In a statement, animal welfare group Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) condemned the practice upon receiving reports that the bird was restrained and displayed in a suspended position, with its wings extended and tied to balloons.

“We fully acknowledge and respect the symbolic significance of the doves within religious practices. However, we respectfully emphasize that symbolism should never come at the expense of the welfare and humane treatment of living creatures,” AKF said.

“As we reflect this sacred season, we are reminded of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who saw all creatures as deserving of care, dignity, and respect,” it added.

In another post, AKF said the bird is dead, a “reasonable conclusion” given to what happened to it. 

“Imagine being that bird, restrained, surrounded by sudden loud explosions as balloons pop one by one, unable to escape and set itself free. That is not symbolism. That is suffering and torture,” AKF said.

Compassion not be selective

David also urged the public to show the “same moral urgency and collective outrage for the loss of human life.”

“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,” David said.

“Only when our sense of moral concern becomes whole, and not fragmented, can we truly say that we are defending life in all its dignity,” he added. — JMA, GMA News