An online petition calling on the government and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to protect the silence offered by Mount St Joseph Retreat House and opposing a proposed shooting range next door has already attracted over 3000 signatures in its first 24 hours, the Jesuit fathers said.
The call to safeguard the silent atmosphere at Mount St Joseph Retreat House in Mosta followed requests by hundreds that something be done whereby they may show their support for the cause.
Fr Patrick Magro sj, the Jesuit Provincial, said that the Jesuits were never consulted in any way before Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon's announcement about the shooting range, and although they were not against professional shooting ranges in principle, any said shooting ranges should be located in a suitable area which will not cause disturbance to anyone.
"Having a shooting range within metres of a retreat house whose biggest asset and service to the public is that of offering an atmosphere of silence to those who seek it is unacceptable," he explained.
www.change.org/p/government-and-mepa-save-mount-saint-joseph