During my first year at university I was invited to a silent retreat at Mount St Joseph Retreat House. I was quite reluctant, at first, but I decided to sign up nonetheless.

It was during this retreat that I started to appreciate the importance of spending some time in silence, away from the routine of daily life.

One of the highlights was sitting on the rocks in the gardens, in the warmth of the sun, admiring the view and listening to the soft sound of the grass swaying in the gentle breeze.

This created the perfect setting for some personal reflection on a couple of Bible passages that had been recommended to me during the morning session with the spiritual director. “Only through silence can the word descend from the mind into the heart,” says Henri Nouwen.

Many years have gone by since that first silent retreat but the experience remains vivid in my mind. Every year, I look forward to going back to that quiet spot in the gardens of Mount St Joseph to close my eyes and listen, comforted by the gentle footsteps of others, young and old, who, like me, have accepted the invitation.

In our modern overdeveloped world, where we constantly feel the need to perform quickly and efficiently, spending a few hours or days in a peaceful location is indeed crucial.

Although external silence does not guarantee inner stillness, because this is an exercise that requires commitment and persistence, it is a prerequisite for those seeking to connect with themselves and with God. There is no question that the atmosphere of silence and tranquillity should not be compromised.

I sincerely hope the government and the planning authority will find an alternative site for the proposed shooting range.