Philippine Parish Apologizes After Pigeon-Tied Balloon Incident During Easter Ritual

A parish in the Philippines issued a public apology on April 9 following a controversial incident involving a pigeon tied to balloons during the Easter Sunday Salubong ritual.

The Salubong is a traditional Filipino Catholic Easter Sunday devotion that dramatizes the joyful meeting between the risen Jesus and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Earlier, the Diocese of Kalookan expressed regret over what transpired at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception, located in Malabon City in the northern part of Metro Manila, and announced that balloon-flying will no longer be allowed in future celebrations, citing concerns over animal welfare and environmental harm.

In a subsequent statement, the parish rector also issued a public apology, taking responsibility for the incident.

“I wish to convey my sincere apology regarding the reported balloon-flying incident during the Salubong ritual this past Easter Sunday,” the statement read.

The parish likewise apologized to Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, clarifying that although he was present at the event, he only witnessed the unveiling beneath the pagoda and was unaware that a pigeon had been released tied to balloons.

According to the parish, the use of a live pigeon, rather than a child dressed as an angel, has long been practiced as a safer alternative. However, it acknowledged that the bird was restrained and attached to balloons before being released, an act later described as “regrettable.”

Church authorities have since objected to the practice, stressing that it is not only cruel to animals but also harmful to the environment, particularly to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons.

In a separate statement, Cardinal David acknowledged public concern and said it was justified.

“People have reacted strongly, and rightly so… It is regrettable. Had I been aware of this beforehand, I would not have approved,” he said.

He thanked those who raised concerns about the pigeon’s welfare and the environmental impact of balloon use, saying he shares the call to care for creation and has directed Church communities accordingly.

At the same time, the cardinal urged the faithful to reflect on a broader moral perspective, emphasizing that compassion should not be selective.

“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 said, citing violence linked to the drug war and civilians affected by armed conflicts.

“Only when our sense of moral concern becomes whole… can we truly say that we are defending life in all its dignity,” he added.

Church authorities assured the faithful that corrective measures are being implemented, including the immediate release of the dove without attachments and the discontinuation of balloon-flying in future rites.