I refer to the letter by Fr Renè Camilleri (July 23). First of all, the presence of St Sebastian’s relic has been an uplifting experience for all of us involved in the organisation of the feast and to those who came and prayed before it. It has contributed to an additional emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the feast, as opposed to the exaggerations which the document issued by the local Church two years ago sought to address.

Moreover, the relic has not been the only thing on our mind. In the past weeks, other initiatives have been undertaken by the parish, including the opening of a chapel for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The response of the parishioners to this chapel has been very encouraging. A formation group for married couples, associated with Gruppi Familji Nsara (Grufan) was established recently. We are also actively collaborating with the neighbouring parish of St George in a project to help families in need. This project is backed by Caritas and the Community Chest Fund.

Thus, before questioning where parish priests are leading their flock, Fr Renè should have sought a more complete picture of what goes on in our parishes.

Finally, enlightenment has been provided by the gospel proclaimed during the Sunday liturgy on the day following the publication of Fr Rene’s letter which concluded that “every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old” (Mt 13:52).