It is manifestly clear that a breath of fresh air is blowing strongly through the musty corridors of the Malta Curia. Its recent concern about a proposed shooting range in the vicinity of Mount St Joseph, a retreat house on the outskirts of Mosta, is totally justified because noise pollution will surely disturb the peace, quiet and serenity with which we have traditionally associated such contemplative sites far from the madding crowds.

Peaceful tranquillity pervades areas off the beaten track that, from time immemorial, have been oases of prayer and serenity, such as the medieval convent of Il-Lunzjata in Wied Liemu in the idyllic countryside of Rabat.

There are areas of great natural beauty where wilderness can by fully enjoyed, such as in the Baħrija, Mtaħleb and Fomm ir-Riħ zone and at the remote Ras il-Wardija, in Gozo.

These pristine areas offering the joy of the spirit should on no account be disturbed in any way.

It would be most satisfying if the Church authorities would show the same sensitivity to the sick and aged who live close to churches where uncontrolled bell-ringing and the unnecessary chimes of church clocks at dead of night still occur.

I am a great lover of campanology and on festa day I used to climb the high steeple to ring “il-qampiena l-kbira”, the big bell. I do appreciate that bells have an important function in our culture – they summon the faithful for worship and they ring out in celebration and sadness.

Bell-ringing in moderation can enrich the quality of life but, unlimited and uncontrolled, it can be prejudicial to health.