An internationally acclaimed author, singer, songwriter, public speaker and youth worker has taken students on his amazing journey from drug addict to passionate priest.

Father Rob Galea visited Baradine early this month to run a faith workshop with local primary and secondary students.

An ordained Catholic Priest currently serving Melbourne, Fr Galea moved to Australia from Malta, his home country. He is the founder and executive director of ICON Ministry, a charity organisation that ministers to millions each year across the world.

“I talk to large crowds, sometimes 1.5 million at a time, but my greatest joy is when I come to towns like this to talk to young people about my love for God and to help them reach their full potential as human beings,” he said.  

“Very often we are blinded by the business of life, we are hampered by the insecurities that we carry. I work to encourage young people to find their hope and their dignity. Music is part of what I do. I am evangelist, I am a communicator and I use music to communicate to young people. Music is the language of the heart so it transcends and I am grateful that I get to use this means of communication.”

Known to millions as ‘Father Rob from Australia’, many are not aware of how far removed his world is today from his life as a troubled teenager on the island of Malta. Knowing that he needed help, he dedicated himself to his faith and says he has never looked back. His message to youth is about recovery, redemption and faith.

PHOTO: Father Rob Galea (second from right) with fellow musicians in Baradine.

“I was a drug addict until I was about 16 years old; I lived on the streets,” he added. 

“I get to share a little bit of that story with young people from the aspect of dignity and hope and I also talk about theology and philosophy according to the age level of the audience.

“I believe people long for human connection. At the end of the day, phones are great tools, but it is when we become slaves to them that we start to lose our sense of purpose, even of joy. I give my story; I show video and I give testimony.  

“I have been getting a great sense of joy from the students I have talked to today and there was a lot of engagement. My work is usually with secondary kids, I have not worked with primary before so I have welcomed the opportunity to do this here. They all seemed very engaged and ready to listen and understand the message I am trying to give.

“Ultimately, I am a priest, I get to stand on big stages, yes, but at the end of the day I want to serve people, I want to love people, so whether it’s in a small town or in a large stadium people are there to love and it is wonderful that I get to relate to people in this way.  

“It is wonderful to watch the kids interact, I work in thousands of schools and the kids are so much calmer and so much more present in this town, you have a lot to be grateful for.”