Unbearable noise levels (2)

At 8 a.m. and again at noon today (August 29) we were 'regaled' with a series of tremendous bangs, courtesy of the organising committee of the feast of St Julian's.

Why do we persist in this pagan activity that scares children and pets out of their wits and causes distress to the elderly and the sick? These are not 'fireworks' but unadulterated explosions. The usual suspects will say that this is part of our 'tradition'. This does not make it right.

'Tradition' is just 'usage' and a stupid and unchristian activity remains stupid and unchristian, irrespective of how long it's been going on.

I can think of many activities that were once considered 'traditional,' here or elsewhere, that now are illegal. Letting off numerous petards early in the morning (or at any time) just to make the loudest noise possible is wrong and only appeals to those with limited intelligence. For parish priests and their superiors to continue to condone such an activity is shameful and discredits their calling.