I invite the reader to do a quick experiment. Call to your memory an occasion where you were able to be at peace, where time seemed to gently go by at your pace and you were able to fully enjoy and cherish the bliss of simply being.

Now, open a tap just a little so that it drips sporadically,and continue trying to recall that experience of peace and bliss. It may be just a drop of water every so often but even that little sound, seemingly insignificant, is enough to break the silence and spoil the possibility of reliving the peaceful memory.

Now if a few miniscule drops have that effect, just imagine the effect that a shooting range would have on the personal pursuit of peace and silence. I can understand if one does not follow any spirituality or believe in God, so I seek to come to an understanding through reason.

Mount St Joseph is Malta’s largest retreat house, with people coming from all over to this oasis of peace and silence.

Yet if these remain simply ‘people’, the impact would not really hit home.

If you have not experienced it yourselves yet, ask a family member, a friend, a colleague, someone you know and trust, who has discovered the peace and silence of Mount St Joseph and ask them to help you understand what effect a shooting range so close would have.

I am speaking up because I have taken this concern to heart and I urge readers to do the same.