As member of the chaplaincy team at St Aloysius College, every year, together with other teachers, I accompany some 500 students for a day of recollection at Mount St Joseph, Mosta. The ages range between 11 and 16. The primary and sixth form schools of our college also bring hundreds of students. And so do many other schools and organisations.

This is a unique experience we offer to our students.

Judging by the comments made by the students themselves, it is greatly appreciated.

Tranquillity and the beautiful environment are conducive to prayer, reflection and soul searching for these young people.

Silence is a rather rare commodity today, especially in our overcrowded island.

As a matter of fact, it is not the first time that university students, lecturers and writers (both local and foreigners) go to Mount St Joseph to benefit from the silence which reigns there.

Thousands come to the house every year because of its unique character.

Let us hope that good judgement prevails and the house is spared the shooting range being built in its vicinity.