About the Book
Are you disconnected from God? Do you feel that your life has no hope? As a teenager, Fr. Rob Galea's reaction to those painful feelings was addiction, violence, and destructive friendships. When the recording artist and former Australian X Factor contestant finally let God in, his life completely changed. In Breakthrough, Galea shares his journey from scared teenager to passionate priest and invites you to learn more about the Catholic faith so you, too, can find hope in Christ.
Rob Galea was a lonely, miserable teenager. He wanted to feel like he belonged, so he joined a gang. He went clubbing. He drank. He stole things. He lied. His reckless lifestyle ultimately led him to hide in fear for his life from other gang members. He was so desperate in those days spent in his dark bedroom that he contemplated ending his life.
Then a phone call from his grandmother about a youth group at a nearby churchA-an invitation not originally intended for himA-helped Galea turn his life around. When he finally let God break through his loneliness and fear, he began to experience freedom and GodA's unconditional love.
In Breakthrough, Galea takes you on his journey to seminary, the move from his home country of Malta to Australia, and the development of his ministry as a priest, speaker, singer/songwriter, and recording artist. Along the way, heA'll help you to see the life-changing journey of discipleship and how to find hope in your Catholic faith.
About the Author :
Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic speaker, recording artist, songwriter, and priest of the Sandhurst Diocese in Victoria, Australia. Originally from Malta, he travels the world speaking to youth and young adults at schools, parishes, concerts, and conferences such as the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and the National Catholic Youth Conference. He ministers to more than 200,000 young people annually and has an international presence through weekly posts to his popular YouTube channel. In 2008, Galea cofounded the Stronger Youth Program, one of Victoria's largest Catholic youth movements. He appeared as a contestant on Australia's version of X Factor in 2015 and sang the English versions of the official 2008 and 2016 World Youth Day songs. Galea has recorded with renowned artists such as pop idol Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Gary Pinto, Natasha Pinto, Ira Losco, and Amelia Farrugia. He has shared the stage with the likes of Matt Maher, Hillsong United, and Darlene Zschech.Rev. Liam Lawton is an Irish priest, singer/songwriter, and recording artist.
Review :
"Breakthrough is a book about trust--trusting in God step by step, little by little, day by day, until one day we can jump off the cliff and into his waiting arms." --From the foreword by Rev. Liam Lawton, Irish singer-songwriter and recording artist "Knowing Fr. Rob for the past decade has been a blessing, inspiration and encouragement for my own priestly ministry with young people. Rob's book is more than just the journey of a young man to human and spiritual maturity; it is also a blatantly honest, inspiring, and edifying story for any person who seeks to allow God into his or her life. Rob's story reveals what happens when God is allowed to break through our little, personal worlds. It is the story of a dynamic, young, committed Catholic priest, singer and performer, and a testimony to the Mighty One who continues to do great things in the lives of young women and men today." --Rev. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., CEO of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation "Who could fail to be moved by this book? No matter what age you are, this book holds a promise. Fr. Rob takes us beautifully through the never-ending story of God's love for him and as you read this book, God's love for you. There is nothing Fr. Rob has written here that cannot equally apply to you. God loves you; he will walk over cut glass to get to you, no matter what you think of yourself. If you are hurting, so is God. Fr. Rob knows that and so will you if you are game enough to call out to God and then follow the suggestions Fr. Rob has in this book. There is a wonderful world waiting for you, and it has God's signature and yours all over it! Fr Rob is truly a man of God. I will pray for each of you who read this book that you too will find the Love that cancels out all debts and waits with an open heart just for you." --Sr. Hilda Scott, O.S.B., Jamberoo Abbey, New South Wales, Australia "One of the Church's most effective evangelists and entertainers (and those are by no means mutually exclusive categories), Fr. Rob Galea shares his remarkable life with us in his first book. Along the way, we learn lessons about faith and forgiveness, suffering and hope, laughter and tears. Open these pages to find out why he's one of the most well-known and beloved priests on the world stage today." --Rev. James Martin, S.J. "In Breakthrough, Fr. Rob Galea invites us into his ongoing journey of encountering Christ and shows us how this encounter can be life-changing and fruitful if we open ourselves to the love of Jesus. A timely reminder of the hope we are offered in our deepest and darkest times!" --Curtis A. Martin, Founder and CEO of FOCUS
