Some tourists I met, hearing a fireworks "bombardment" from some distance, could not be blamed for thinking we were at war.

The Catholic feast should unite families who celebrate it together. Traditionally, the Maltese festa featured the ringing of bells (nowadays they should be tuned according to the hymn of the saint), street decorations, bands playing, stalls selling nougat and refreshments, and coloured fireworks at night - that was all. Without the fireworks let off from the dome of the church that scare children, animals and disturb the sick, while damaging our health and hearing.

The gelignite bangs fired at 8 a,m., at noon, when the statue is brought out of church and carried in again, and during the days before the festa are a headache for everyone.

These loud bangs should be banned. Parish priests should only allow coloured fireworks to be left off at night without the kaxxa infernali.The money raised for these fireworks could be better spent, surely.

These bombs are now dominating the traditional religious festa. Bombs are only used in wars and by terrorists, as far as I know.

I don't know whether in Medjugorje, when Our Lady appears, she is greeted with bombs. All I know is that she is greeted with bells ringing and the playing of violins.

May we have real feasts: holy and peaceful without the need of any 'bombardment'.