Jesuits object to shooting range proposed next to retreat home

The Jesuit order in Malta is mounting opposition to a proposed shooting range at the former Busbesija house, next to the Mosta retreat home of Mount St Joseph.

Jesuit provincial Patrick Magro and Mount St Joseph director Stephen Scerri said the home’s tranquility on outskirts of Mosta and Bidnija would be shattered by the noise from the shooting range.

“Silence is key in this place. With a lot of noise, this would be a problem of course,” Fr Magro said.

“It really is important for us to retire to a silent spot occasionally. Sometimes companies come here for professional development, because here they find a tranquil environment.”

Magro said that the Jesuit order had not been consulted on the impact of the shooting range, and that Mount St Joseph was not a revenue-making operation, even costing the Order money for its upkeep.

“There is no compromise to be reached here,” Magro said.

Director Stephen Scerri said the shooting range, yet to be approved by MEPA, would be located some 300 metres away.

“We are concerned about safety, apart from the noise… a 2006 draft policy on shooting ranges stated that they should not be located close to hospitals, schools, or homes for the retired.”

Magro said he had written to the Prime Minister, himself an old Aloysian whose education was under the Jesuit order.