BY MATHEW ALMEIDA
Music is more than an international language. It has the sublime ability to elevate your soul to the Divine. One can lose oneself in ecstasy and a realm of spiritual bliss through music.
And for Fr Rob Galea music has always been a process of healing after battling anxiety and depression. "But all that has changed. Singing drew me closer to Jesus and it gave me peace and healing,” Fr Galea says.
Fr Galea, an Australian Catholic priest, singer, songwriter and author, who has gained some popularity across the world, will be in Goa from September 7 to 10, 2023.
The highlight of his visit will be the live music programme on September 9 at Pilar, organised by the Pilar Music Academy.
As a young priest, he had the opportunity to appear on international TV programmes like X Factor, and he sang in the presence of the Pope thrice on World Youth Day.
For those who are not aware, World Youth Day is a programme organised by the Catholic Church every three years where youngsters across the globe from various countries come together to celebrate their Catholic faith. The recent one was held this year in July in Portugal.
In a video on his official Instagram account and also in an interview, Fr Galea expressed his great excitement about his visits to India and how he loves the country. But his visit to Goa is very special as it has three purposes.
First, as Goa is a well-known tourist destination and as a consequence youngsters are influenced by many forces, good as well as evil, Fr Galea's purpose is to share the message of Jesus with youngsters as he experienced it.
Secondly, Fr Galea and his team run a non-profit charity organisation to work for youngsters. And, along with Talita Cumi Ministries in Andhra Pradesh, they reach out to youngsters.
The third purpose is to pay a personal visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus to venerate the relics of St Francis Xavier, who is also the patron saint of Australia. Fr Rob himself has studied in a school named after St Francis Xavier.
The people of Goa, especially the youngsters, are equally excited to meet this enthusiastic priest whose heart is burning with love for Jesus. The very fact that the show tickets have already sold out and the venue is full house proves how eager the people of Goa are to Fr Galea singing on stage.
Along with Fr Galea, Goa’s own well-known talents like Cielda Pereira, Elvis Mascarenhas, Joe D’Costa, Boney Dias and Shalisha Fernandes will also perform alongside.
The show will be hosted by RJ and emcee Joed Almeida and Merlyn D’Silva. Cielda Pereira, Goa’s noted singer said that she is humbled and honoured at the same time to share the stage with Fr Galea.
Fr Galea is truly an inspiration to youngsters as someone who is involved in entertainment and a great sports lover, yet very spiritual. For Goa, it’s truly an honour to have him.
