The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in St Paul’s Bay is normally held on the last Sunday of July. Newspapers reported that this year it was going to be “cancelled” because of the death of the reverend archpriest some weeks before – a proper decision.

But the feast was actually “postponed” to September 15. No outdoor festivities were held but a liturgical Mass was said on the evening of the 14th.

Why weren’t the outdoor festivities held since the indoor rites were? The usual atmosphere of outdoor tables and people drinking and laughing and children running around was something that one could either join or opt out of altogether. I cannot say it is something unpleasant.

However, I’m afraid the excessive bell-ringing (by teenagers) that took place during the whole of Saturday and Sunday was horrendous. Whoever gave permission to this ungodly, excessive bell-ringing knows nothing about civil laws regarding breaking the public peace. One just had to ‘grin and bear it’.

I tried calling the parish several times but it was obvious they couldn’t hear the phone ringing due to the excessive decibels.

I wonder if the extra-loud noise, which is magnified in the church belfry, could do physical harm to the delicate mechanism of the inner ear of the chosen boys and girls?

I feel sorry for the people who tried to get some sleep. Some people do work nights, don’t they now? And what about the sick confined to bed and having to hear this outrage? Thanks for spoiling my restful weekend.