A Catholic cardinal in the Philippines has acknowledged concerns over animal cruelty and environmental harm and ordered an end to a controversial Easter practice in Malabon following public criticism.
The move came after the Philippine Animal Welfare Society criticized the use of a live dove during an Easter presentation at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception, where the bird was reportedly subjected to distress and later killed.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said April 7 he had verified the incident with parish officials and was unaware of the balloon release during the ritual.
“I checked with the parish priest regarding the reported balloon-flying during the Salubong ritual,” David said in a message to LiCAS News.
He said the use of birds and balloons in the ritual would be discontinued.
David said he would have opposed the practice had he known it was being carried out.
“I was not aware that there was a subsequent practice of tying the pigeon to balloons, with its wings restrained. 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,” he said.
“I had honestly presumed that the dove was released immediately after the unveiling,” he said.
Separately, Fr. Mariano Bartolome Jr., parish priest and rector of the shrine, issued a public apology over the incident on April 8.
“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,” Bartolome said in a statement.
He said the cardinal, who was present during the liturgy, witnessed only the unveiling and was not aware of what took place afterward.
“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,” he said.
Bartolome said the parish had long used a live dove in the Salubong as a safer alternative to suspending a child dressed as an angel, a practice observed for decades.
He added that Cardinal David had since objected to the ritual, citing concerns over animal welfare and environmental harm.
“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,” Bartolome said.
The incident has prompted calls for closer scrutiny of traditional practices, as Church leaders move to align rituals with respect for life and care for creation.
Some groups urged Catholic parishes and institutions to review and deepen their understanding of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for the environment, which calls on the faithful to uphold the dignity of all creation and reject practices that cause harm to living beings and ecosystems.
