Some years back when Australian priest Fr Rob Galea took the stage to sing for Pope Francis, it was the scariest experience of his life standing in front of half a million people.
Recalling his experience at a press interaction in Panjim, Fr Galea narrated, "I was holding the guitar so tight that my fingers almost bled. It was my first time on stage in front of half a million people and the Pope beside me."
However, all that changed when I turned and was disappointed to see the Pope fast asleep, he said with a contagious laugh.
But that was long ago, and now this young, youthful and ever-smiling priest is a different man, at least when he is on stage where he is always willing to give his best.
So, if you happen to be at Pilar this Saturday (September 9, 2023) at Fr Galea's live music concert, besides his cheerfulness and excitement, he has promised the crowd a time for reflection, fun, joy, laughter and a strong dose of spirituality.
I am in love with God and I want to tell the world about it
Fr Rob Galea
The priest, who has a close connection with youngsters in his country and across the world, wears many hats, but that doesn't come in the way of his love for Jesus. "I am in love with God and I want to tell the world about it," he said.
When asked what is the message he wants to give to Goa through his concert, he said, "First thing I want to do is talk about God's love and acceptance. I also wish that wherever I go, it would be nice to see people open to the message of god."
As a priest, Fr Galea's ways of reaching out to people are different and have an appeal, "Yes, I am different. Maybe I am not a typical priest because of the way I communicate. I find Jesus and pray everywhere, even at the gym when I am doing a bench press."
He goes on to add, "For me, Christianity is not religion, it is about relationship. As Christians, we don't follow a religion, we follow a person and that person is Jesus. Religion is a means to come to Jesus."
"I find Jesus and pray while doing a bench press, which means God is not restricted to religious ceremonies. Informal prayer is also a powerful prayer. I talk to God wherever I am and also respond to him wherever I am," he added.
Responding to a question about his childhood, Fr Galea recalled his teenage days when he was involved with gangs, that at one point he was hunted. "Yes, people wanted to kill me. At one point while running away from it all, I became suicidal," he recalled.
"The depression I went through was so intense, that I did not know how to live with it. During this tumultuous time, I chose to look up to god and discovered my relationship with him. After that, miracle after miracle started happening in my life," he added.
Fr Galea went on to write a book about his trials and tribulations, and, today, Hollywood is in the process of making a movie on it. The movie will be hopefully out by 2026. The book, Breakthrough, will be available at the music concert venue in Pilar on Saturday.
When I was invited to Goa, I said we said are going to do it. It is my first time here, and I am very excited. I have been to India before, but Goa is special
Fr Rob Galea
Speaking about the Goa invitation to sing at the Pilar concert, Fr Galea said, "When I was invited to Goa, I said we said are going to do it. It is my first time here, and I am very excited. I have been to India before, but Goa is special."
Fr Galea's Goa show can be credited to Franky Fernandes, a Goan journalist settled in Australia and Fr Mateus Fernandes, Provincial Superior - Goa Province, Society of Pilar. Both worked together to give Goans the opportunity to praise and worship along with Fr Galea and his band.
On Saturday, before Fr Galea takes the stage, local musicians will set the pace for the evening after which Fr Galea will take over. He has promised that at least for the first two hours, it would be a non-stop performance from him.
The concert is sold out and it is expected to draw a huge number of youths to Pilar.