Greg Daly
Fr Rob Galea A small-town Australian priest could soon become a Hollywood hit now film rights to his new book have been bought by US film producers.
Born in Malta in 1981, Fr Rob Galea is a curate in St Killian’s Parish, Bendigo, Victoria, but is known throughout Australia where he has appeared on X-Factor, released six albums, and written Breakthrough: A Journey from Desperation to Hope.
Breakthrough details Fr Galea’s teenage struggles with addiction, depression and suicidal thoughts, through his discovery of God, his time in seminary and his life as a priest in a small rural community.
“I wrote the book to show the world redemption is possible, it’s about recovery and faith and serves to remind us all that anything is possible,” he said.
Ordained in 2010, Fr Galea has used his music to evangelise to the younger generation in his parish.
“Young people aren’t coming to church, so I live my life trying to bring the church to them,” he said, explaining that his “simple approach” was rooted in disciplined routines instilled in his heart from seminary days.
“I know what it’s like to be young and in a bad place – I’ve been there which makes it a lot easier to relate to the young people of my parish,” he said.
While his rise to fame has not always been easy, Fr Galea says he “will do whatever it takes to shout God’s fame”.