With deep concern, I am writing on the proposed development of a shooting range a few metres away from the Jesuit-run Mount St Joseph Retreat House, in Mosta.

Being a frequent visitor of this unique place on our islands, I can witness how the silent and quiet atmosphere of this place offers an opportunity of stopping the noises in your head.

Silence is often considered as being awkward. However, at a retreat, silence has a purpose: it consoles us and stills our hearts, especially in the surrounding gardens of this place.

It is a challenge for people today to find silence in the busy lives that we all lead and with our minds filled up with thoughts racing in all directions.

Sometimes we find it almost impossible to empty our heads of all these thoughts, words and images, yet the gentle silence and the beauty of nature at Mount St Joseph make it the ideal place where one can find rest for body, mind and soul.

Many a time, Pope Francis himself encourages us to seek and value silence in our lives. Putting into practice the Pope’s advice, it is a dire need to leave places like Mount St Joseph intact without disturbing this sacred silence for the sake of money and so-called development and investment.

Mount St Joseph is the place where – wisely and prudently guided by the Jesuits and accompanied by friends – I took decisions that today I consider fundamental for my life. I owe much to silence.

Such is the experience of thousands of other people, believers and non-believers, who were, are or will be inspired in different ways in the open spaces and the homely facilities of this retreat house.

This is a call to experience this silence even for a few hours. This is a call to save it.

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