This is a wake-up call to all local feast enthusiasts and organisers. There seems to be a movement to eliminate all external celebrations. It started with the ever-growing anticlericalism but now has also reached certain ‘modern’ priests.

In the past, the Catholic Church had faced many problems. We have seen Protestant organisations, including the Puritans. There are the Mormons, who are gaining ground in Malta.

Now there is a growing trend for small groups of religious extremists operating under various names. These groups have already alienated many Christians. They changed the liturgy and common prayers.

Their latest effort is to kill all forms of manifestations, even though these have been part of religion at least since Moses and King David. If these groups gain the upper hand, the number of practising Catholics will drop even further.

There is an urgent need for positive action to save our traditions. External celebrations are not limited to Malta. They are very popular in Spain, from where our customs originated. They are also popular in Sicily.

The problems are not the feasts per se but animosity and rivalry among opposing factions.

Faced with such a concentrated attack it is of the utmost importance that all involved will join a strong forum. It is my hope that such a forum will tackle privileges and other questionable actions that cause friction and animosity.

I make a public call for an open discussion to be held at the earliest opportunity. I have gone deep into this topic and will be pleased to address the gathering and make suggestions.

This is not a question on who will gain and lose. It is an appeal for the survival of our customs in the face of such animosity. Do not waste time. Unless we unite and solve our problems with the utmost haste, our enemies will make inroads.

Wake up to reality. The opposition is strong and, with a possible change in the Curia, an extremist might take over.

We can only stand in unity, otherwise divided we shall fall.