Caloocan diocese sorry for live pigeon cruelty

MANILA, Philippines —  The Diocese of Caloocan apologized yesterday for the Easter salubong ritual of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon.

A live pigeon had been tied to balloons, with its wings spread out with a stick.

Fr. Mariano Bartolome Jr. apologized after the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and Animal Kingdom Foundation raised concerns about the bird’s safety.

“As rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, I want to apologize regarding the reported balloon-flying incident during the salubong on Easter Sunday,” Bartolome said.

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, who celebrated the April 5 Easter mass, also expressed his objection to the practice, the diocese said.

David only witnessed the unveiling of the veil covering the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was unaware of what had happened afterward, the diocese clarified.