I refer to the letter ‘Haven faces destruction’ (May 11), in which the President’s Foundation for the Well-being of Society was mentioned in reference to the proposed shooting range to be built adjacent to the Mount St Joseph Retreat House.
The foundation would like to reiterate its ethos: “As a foundation we promote the well-being of society and address any issues that hinder well-being.”
Mount St Joseph is often packed with people coming from different walks of life, seeking a place to pray, while others go for training, camping, discussion, sharing, guidance or healing. It is a place dedicated to well-being and appreciated by almost 10,000 people every year.
The foundation appreciates that silence is essential at Mount St Joseph; it is an enabler for people to come in touch with themselves and with God.
As a foundation, we encourage dialogue rather than conflict and would gladly facilitate a meeting between the Jesuit community and those proposing the building of a shooting range close to Mount St Joseph Retreat House.