I write in response to the letter by Fr Mario Attard OFM CAP (Vacations and spiritual renewal, TMI 16 July).

An interesting letter if not for the content but the complete lack of imagination and thought in its composition. One hopes that prospective tourists and holiday makers do not read such dire warnings. I am a little worried that in order to stave off the Devil’s advances this summer I may have to take my prayer mat to the beach, something of an inconvenience I’m sure the readers will agree.

I would hope that it is obvious that this letter is meant to be humorous and cause no offence although I do wonder if such subtle coercion has a place in modern life, especially in the summer. In my understanding, living a good life and trying to maintain a selfless existence is the cornerstone of Christianity and using words such as ‘warfare’ seems a little over the top. I for one hope that we can all just enjoy the summer without worrying about the possibility, and may I steal the title of a recent Hollywood hit, of the devil Drag(ging) me to hell.

Owen Jones

Mosta