John Arcilla, emosyonal sa ginawa sa ibon sa Easter Salubong

• John Arcilla criticized the use of a live dove in a Salubong ritual in Malabon
• The actor questioned whether the act contradicts the true meaning of the Easter celebration
• He raised concerns about faith, conscience, and the treatment of God’s creation
• Arcilla also urged fellow Catholics to reflect on whether such practices truly honor God

Veteran actor John Arcilla has spoken out strongly against the use of a live bird during an Easter Salubong ritual in a parish in Malabon, calling attention to what he described as a troubling contradiction between intention and execution in a sacred celebration.

In a lengthy and deeply reflective statement shared on social media, Arcilla expressed alarm over the death of a dove, an animal widely regarded as a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit, during a ritual meant to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

“Hindi ba mas nakakabahala na ang simbulo ng Kapayapaan at Espiritu Santo ay namatay?” he wrote, questioning the implications of the incident.

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The award-winning actor pointed out the irony of a life being lost in the midst of a religious event centered on renewal and resurrection. For Arcilla, the situation raises difficult but necessary questions about how faith is practiced and expressed.

“Kaya mas nakaka bagabag na may namatay na kalapati sa selebrasyon ng muling pagkabuhay,” he added.

Arcilla went on to reflect on possible justifications behind the act, suggesting that organizers may have believed the dove was “special” or symbolic. However, he argued that regardless of intent, the result remains the same: a living creature suffered and died.

“Pero alinman sa dalawa ay parehong may pinahirapan at NAMATAY NA LIKHA NG DIYOS habang ang intensiyon ay IPAGBUNYI ANG MULING PAGKABUHAY NG DIYOS ANAK,” he said.

The actor, who openly identified himself as a Catholic, raised deeper theological questions, asking whether such rituals are truly rooted in Scripture or if they are human-made practices that may no longer align with the essence of faith.

“Seryosong tanong. Naniniwala ba tayo na matutuwa ang Diyos sa ginawa nating ito o tayo lamang ang natutuwa?” Arcilla asked.

He further emphasized that authentic faith, grounded in love and lived through everyday actions, may be more meaningful than elaborate reenactments or rituals. According to him, the highest form of worship is already present in the Mass and in the practice of genuine love for others and all of God’s creation.

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“Hindi ba isang PAYAK at TUNAY na pananampalataya at pag ibig lamang sa Diyos ay SAPAT na sa Kanya?” he wrote.

Arcilla also acknowledged that incidents like this may contribute to criticism or misunderstanding of Catholic practices by others, urging fellow believers to reflect on how their actions are perceived both within and outside the faith community.

The controversy surrounding the Salubong ritual has sparked widespread debate online, with many echoing Arcilla’s sentiments about compassion, accountability, and the need to reassess certain traditions in light of ethical considerations.

John Arcilla is a highly regarded Filipino performer and environmental advocate who has built a distinguished career across film, television, and theater. He gained widespread acclaim for portraying General Antonio Luna in the historical film Heneral Luna. He later achieved international recognition after winning Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in On the Job: The Missing 8.

In connection with the issue, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David earlier released a statement apologizing for the Salubong controversy. He clarified that he would not have permitted the act if he had prior knowledge of it. The Church leader also acknowledged concerns about both animal welfare and environmental effects, while urging a more unified and consistent moral sensitivity toward all forms of life.

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Previously, the Diocesan Shrine & Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon also issued its own apology after the video of the ritual circulated online. The parish priest and rector admitted fault and expressed remorse over the incident. Even before the issue escalated, Cardinal David had already been discouraging the use of live animals and balloon releases in church celebrations. The parish reaffirmed that acts of devotion should always reflect compassion, accountability, and respect for every living being.

Source: KAMI.com.gh