Ok, so its been a few days since my last post. I've had yet another eventful week, from playing at a Jesus Youth conference in Melbourne - amazing group of teenagers - to spending time with Bishop Joe to preparing to enter the Melbourne seminary (in 2 weeks), to sitting through interviews and more...

I am also off to Sydney this weekend for some meetings and to work on a new video project! All exciting, though... it's strange as I stand in a very "unknown" place at the moment, knowing very little of what the near and far future holds in store - with seminary, studies, music and so on! My consolation is that God stands by my side!!! (sniff, sniff..ref to pic above;) Anyway... pls pray for me!!

Feeding the Possum!

It's been a week since I arrived here and so much has happened since. I have been missing my family and friends, though at the same time I am so happy to be here. My CD's (What A Day) have just arrived in Australia and I can launch them here soon.

As time goes by I am realising more and more how happy I am to be called to possibly serve others through the priesthood, though I do feel so incapable and unworthy...anyway!!

Last night I went out with some wonderful people tor an Italian meal followed by a walk in the park to feed some possums (picture) , then to a banquet of desserts!! I have been eating so much since I arrived!!

Computer Blues!

It's been a good few days. I have been waking up earlier than usual (5 am to be precise) and begin my day with a good, relaxed time of prayer. Yesterday I drove nearly 2 hours for a few interviews, and today I had lunch with the bishop and some other Maltese people (we ate timpana!!!) after giving the Sunday mass homilies in 2 churches.

My computer is drivving me crazy...it is as slow as... I have no idea what is possessing it, though I will have to format my whole computer if it persists! Aaaaghhhhhhhhh!!!

Tomorrow... my diary is packed... but my day includes going to try and get a car, going to the gym (hopefully), and planning a short trip to Sydney.

An early morning ... A great man!

It's been almost 4 days since I arrived here in Australia and I have still not got into the right sleeping patterns. You see, there are 10 hours difference between here and Malta and so I find myself wide awake by 3 am. This morning I managed to prolong my sleep till 5am after which I had some time to pray, wash the dishes, go to mass, then to the gym and then some catching up with emails and friends;)

This afternoon and tomorrow morning we have the vigil and funeral of a holy man. Mons John Duffus was my spiritual director and confessor all last year while I was here. He will be greatly missed!

Below... The house where I am living & Church... and Mons John Duffus ->

In Sunny Australia

After over 24 hours of traveling I am back in Bendigo Australia. I feel as though I never left, though I had the most amazing 4 months in Malta working with Y4J, recording and releasing a new album and the launch concert. I begin the seminary here in a month and will be settling here in the same parish I was last year for the coming month!

I'm going out to do some errands, among which is to buy a wire to connect my camera to my computer (I left it in Malta).

New Myspace Up!

My new Myspace is up! Check it out!!

I leave for Australia tomorrow!!! Please keep me in your prayers!

Soon Leaving!

Just a couple of days before I leave for Australia and I am full of mixed feelings. I so want to serve God and go wherever He seems to be leading me, but it is so hard sometimes. It's hard for family and friends too... though I go to Australia with a glad heart, I do!

I began packing my bags today and had a few farewell parties which I so cherish. I also have one last interview tomorrow and a meal with all the Maltese seminarians...after that family time before I leave on Saturday!

Some Photos of the concert!

1st Launch Concer Night!

Lats night's concert went very well I think. I was super nervous to start off with but managed to relax half way through! Tonight will be great!

If anyone has any pics or videos of the night please send them (or their links) here!

Yesterday's Rehearsal

Last night we had our last official rehearsal for the concert - next... the 'dress rehearsal', then the concerts!! Theatre will be packed both nights...I'm getting excited!!

Keeping Busy!

The concert is getting near, as well as my return to Australia! With hours upon hours of rehearsals, designing the stage, organising ushers, setting up the theater and dealing with problems like ticket waiting lists and a lack of CD's (more CD's sold than I expected) - good problems but problems none-the-less!

The Friday concert will be filmed and I'll eventually upload some of it on Youtube. I also hope to begin a 'behind the scenes' footage tomorrow!
Please, please pray for all this!

NEW SONG UPLOADED!

I Hope you all had a blessed Christmas. I have just uploaded another track of my latest album WHAT A DAYon my Myspace. This song is called "Here I Am", a song which I wrote with a friend Kevin Schembri. It is about the love and security we can have if we just let go! CLICK HERE >>>

Merry Christmas!

Incredible few days!

Rehearsals for the concerts are well underway and it is sounding great. Today I went to speak to a crowd of 300 beautiful, wonderful girls about the meaning of Christmas...well...sort of! The only thing is that my voice is very tired so I need to spend 2 days in semi-silence!!

I ordered another batch of CD's today as over 600 copies have been sold locally (Before the official launching)... I hope they arrive by the concert!!

Anyway...off to get some rest! Oh yeah....and concert nights have had to increase from 120 people per night to 250 people per night and even those have been sold out! Woah!!

CONCERT SOLD OUT!

Unbelievable, 2 weeks away from the concert and tickets for both nights are fully booked. I really do not want to let anybody down so I am trying to figure out how to add more seats!! Blessings!

OUT NOW!!

"What A Day" is officially released. Now available for sale around the world from www.RobertGalea.com. It's just amazing...I went to pick CD's up from the air company today, and by the time I got home over 300 CD's were sold. I know God is going to do something big through this project.

WHAT A DAY is so far available from

• Librerija Preca (Blata L-Bajda & Millenium Chapel Paceville).
• Exotique Stores around Malta
  
• Radju Marija (Rabat)
• Qarrej Nisrani (B'Kara)
  

More shops soon!

Big Day!

I have been spending this day preparing for tomorrow. Tomorrow the first batch of CD's arrive. These 200 plus CDs have all been pre-ordered, so I will spend the day delivering and posting them (the rest arrive on Thursday). Also, tomorrow my first single "Ends of the earth" from WHAT A DAY will be released on XFM (100.2 FM) here in Malta. It has been playing on RTK (103 FM), Radju Malta and Radju Marija (102.3 FM) for a week now.

Later on this week practice for the Launch Concert begins!!!

Right now... however, I need to rest because I am nackered!!

It's amazing what a difference a little exercise does if put into our routine. I love going to the gym...it takes my mind off things and helps me recollect myself - plus when I get home I treat myself with an 'un-censored' meal! Lovely!!

I will be sending out some of the ordered tickets of the concert on Monday... I am so excited and grateful about the release next week and the launch concert in January!

I will be on TV tomorrow (EDU 22), and then be sharing a talk with Y4J teens in the evening!! Wohoo!!

Fantastic!

It is now 2:04 am and I have just come back from a concert where I played 8 songs, had supper and am now almost ready for bed! I love it... I love sharing music with others and sharing the message of God's love in general! It's been an exhausting few weeks..though I must admit every day has been extremely rewarding.

You can not imagine how excited I am about my upcoming album and the launch concert. I know that God is going to do great things through this whole project. It's so fantastic that this CD will appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life - believers and non believing, old and young, green and blue;) ... wow... I just can't wait! Less than 2 weeks!! Mulej F'Idejk!

Launch Concert Poster

Please spread this poster around (in Malta;). Blessings!

Upcoming Events

This is the new pic on my website... You can order the CD online securely anywhere in the world and it will be sent to you before the release date at a very cheap price!! Enjoy!

Soundclips of songs can be heard on ThatsWorship.com>>

I just got back from an amazing week in Sicily. During the week I actually preached in Italian twice... that is a real feat for me!!

So... since I got back I got the final version of my CD "What a Day" and have sent it to the UK to be printed. Wohoo!! Also, tomorrow I will be appearing on Super One TV during Showtime at 9 and 10pm where I will be singing 2 songs from "What A Day"! Then during the weekend I will also be on Radju Marija and soon on RTK before I release the first single. SO EXCITING!!! To God be the Glory!!

In Sicily for a week and I forgot my mobile in Malta... Cannot beleive it!!! So you will soon be able to pre-order "What a Day" at a special price from here and be the first to get it...

Concert Planned!

We are planning a concert. Yes... as a launch for the "What a Day" acoustic album the original recording band and I will be organising 2 nights (probably at St James Cavalier in Valletta) where the entire 13 track album will be interpreted amongst some dance and mime! How exciting!! I will keep you updated!!

"What A Day"

The recording of the CD is well underway!! It should be completed in 2 weeks, and released in mid December. Recording started in Australia and will be finished off here in Malta - artwork is being done in Australia and will be finalised in the UK and printed and packed in Austria. Nice!!

I also decided on the title of the album. It will be called "What a Day" - The songs are so much on my heart and the whole projects is a sincere declaration of my weakness and a celebration of the One who I will one day love completely - and what a day that will be!!

Please keep praying that this project will be an instrument to draw people closer to our wonderful God!

New Song Added to Myspace!

The last few days have been so exciting. I am seeing the album come together - music (which is sounding just amazing), artwork, finances to fund the project and so on. God's hand seems to be on this!! To Him be all the Glory!!

I am off to the studio now as we are finishing off the Chellos and Violins today! I spent the morning preparing for a talk I have to give tomorrow to some 150 or so teens!! I will be talking about the FEAR of God!! Click on the banner below to visit the website.... On Sunday you should be able to download the talk from the same website!

Blessings!!

Demo!

Today I got to take a demo of what we have recorded so far in the studio...it sounds absolutely fantastic... so relaxing and so different to what I have done before. The feel reminds me of Jack Johnson, Missy Higgins mixed with Cat Stevens...interesting!!
Please keep the rest of the project in your prayers!

It's Sunday night, storming and thunder outside and I'm cozy at home after a laid-back day! This comes after a few weeks of intense preparing for and giving talks and workshops. I am looking forward to return to the studio tomorrow afternoon... I am just loving how this CD is turning out - I believe this project is so true to what my music is all about! I hope to get some clips up in a few weeks!

Does anyone have a good book they have read to recommend? Tell me a little about it!;)

Real Acoustic!

Studio sessions are going great... this is the very first time I have been in the studio and felt that the music that is coming out is from my heart... it is going to be an acoustic album, no rock, no pop, just real raw unplugged worship!

I have also been busy preparing for next weekend's Musician seminar - I'll be sharing some thoughts and songs there!! Apart from that it has been work... oh yeah.... had a great day retreat at the seminary yesterday...refreshing!

Recording!

Went to the studio to continue recording for my next CD today. The recording began in Australia and will now continue here! I hope this album to be an acoustic one, with an emphasis on guitars and vocals! Please keep this project in your prayers!!

One of the videos I used during the Y4J weekend.
This is the moving story of God's Love for us!!

Music "Everything" by Lifehouse.

Floating!

Just came back from an AMAZING 3 days and am still floating in a cloud! Spent the weekend with Y4J.... a great group of 140 incredible teens. God is working so wonderfully in their lives. I'll post a video clip or 2 of which I used during some of the sessions some time soon!! Catcha'!

It's the first thing in the morning, the house is quiet and all that is heard is the clicking of my keyboard. In fact this is the sound I have been hearing most of the time lately as I prepare for some talks. God is faithful... I have a passion to pass on the message of Christ to young people, but it is such a challenge to get the Gospel message and try to make it accessible and understandable to teens! However... I am excited as I know God has been and is with me in this time of preparation.

Just get up and do it!

Do you ever have so much to do that, overwhelmed, you just do not know where to begin and end up doing nothing at all? I'm in one of those moods... so I am updating this blog. I have evaluations to write, visas to apply for, talks to prepare, songs to write, books to read... maybe it is sheer laziness! I'm off... got some work to do! God bless!!!!

A Small Thought!

It is Monday evening and I have a few free minutes... It's been a busy couple of days with meetings, playing and preparing for conferences. I love the opportunities I have been given to share God's Word, though I must admit I still get so scared before I have to appear in public - stomach aches, mental numbness, weak knees; it's a torture! But if I have learnt one thing it is not to let my fear stop me. Off to Mass!! Ciao!

Back from Italy

Wow... just returned from a relaxing week away. Spent the week touring around the North of Italy. Parma, Bologna, Tuscany (San Gimignano), Venice, Mantua, and more. Here are some snap shots!!

Big News!!

After much thought, prayer and consultation; and with the permission and blessing of my archbishop I have come to the decision to continue my seminary studies in Australia. I will leave for Melbourne in January and will be studying there for the diocese of Sandhurst, Victoria. I'll be studying at Corpus Christi College and thus will not be entering the Malta Seminary this September.

Now, on a more relaxed note... I'm off to Parma, Italy (the homeland of ParmaHam, Parmigiana, etc) for a weeks holiday! Ci Vediamo!!

Some Thoughts!

I've been on holiday for a few days now... it has been a great opportunity to 'regain consciousness', have the opportunity to speak and sing at some groups, take singing lessons, get some exercise and get my much desired sun-tan;) My next few days will be spent preparing for some studio recording. I have no idea when or if I will release another album, but whatever the verdict I will have alot of work done if the opportunity arises.

Update!

A good relaxing few days. I started the gym again, after a 2 month break from regular exercise, met some friends, have been hanging out with family and animals (pic) and also began some planning for some recording. I have a small concert tomorrow at a retro party. "Retro", what does that mean exactly?? Hmmm! I'll also be playing at a wedding this Saturday. Beginning to miss Australia!

Catching up!

A wonderful few days catching up with family, friends and working on my sun tan. I spent a few days in Gozo (Malta's unspoiled sister island) with my parents.

This afternoon I also had a TV interview with the local news - they are doing a feature on WYD and my singing there. It should appear on the news this evening.

P.S. For all you Aussies down there... I am missing you!!

Back in Sunny Malta!

Back in Malta. It feels so good to be home, but it is so unbearably hot here! Jet-lag has not kicked in, except I woke up at 5am this morning (which is very unlike me;)!! Also went out to eat with my family last night, next to where this pic was taken.

Will begin my busy schedule later this week.

Off Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the day! I begin my trip back to Malta after a year here in Australia. I can't believe it. I did not think I would find it this hard to leave, though I know I will be back (at most) next year for World Youth Day. I have been packing and boxing some stuff... my room is a big mess at the moment, but it should be all clear by tonight. Though I am very excited to go back home, I am not looking forward to over 24 hours of travelling.

Here are some pics I took over the last few days:

What an extraordinary day!! I woke up at 6am, got picked up and flew to Camberra on a private plane, had breakfast with a friend at his hotel and flew 2 hours back in time for lunch and in time for my afternoon meetings! Wow!!! Cest la Vit!!

Unexpected!

Returned from a two-day trip to Melbourne and am a little exhausted! I caught up with a good friend of mine, hung out with the bishop and had a good conversation with the Maltese Prime Minister. Don't I sound important?? ;)

Unexpected: Tomorrow morning I fly to Canberra (the Australian Capital City) on a private plane and return early afternoon. I am joining a parishioner on his trip with his two-seater plane. I'm excited!! There is so much to do before I leave next Sunday... and so little time to do it in!

Just got back from my 10-day silent retreat! Man I loved it... it was tough, but worth all the effort!! I spent so much time reading and listening from the Bible, and just reflecting on intimacy and fear of the Lord.... maybe I'll write a short article about these later! Tomorrow I officially begin my preparations to head back to Malta, as I begin to think about ways of packing... Maybe I'll start by buying some boxes!!

Also... I get to meet the Maltese Prime Minister and great buddy (who is accompanying him) next Sunday in Melbourne!!

Outback and More!

It's been a while since I had the time to sit at a computer! I just got back from a 3-week trip to Sydney and the Outback (Australian Desert). Concerts, conferences, liturgies, star gazing, camel rides and more. Now I am preparing for my silent retreat which begins tomorrow. Over 10 days of silence and reflection... refreshing!!! Man I'm going to miss this country!!

International Version!

This is the one I feature in!

God bless!!

Hey all!! Its been an intense 2 weeks here in Sydney. Beginning with a concert in Darling harbour with Australia's music stars, then to the Hillsong Conference (an amazing week with 30,000 other worshippers), and now I am preparing for another youth conference which begins tomorrow - I will be carrying out some workshops and leading some of the music there. So exciting!

I have added a new song "Ends of the Earth" to my Myspace... HAVE A LISTEN>>

Here it is!!

I'm now in Sydney for 2 weeks. Spent the day with the music stars yesterday and then joined them in a concert to celebrate the arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon to Australia and launch the official WYD 2008 Song. There were 6,000+ people in attendance and it was such fun!

You can download the song, and the International version (In which I sing the first few versed) here>>

English WYD Song!

Long Drive!

My work at the College is officially over as we celebrated the last of the two farewells' today. Tomorrow I prepare for my next trip - Thursday I head for West Wyalong - 560Km's on the road (6 1/2 hours drive each way) to give a concert in this country town. I am quite excited! Should be heaps fun!!

Finishing off!

Winter is kicking in good and strong here while Malta is baking in the heat! I had a good time speaking and singing at the National Pub in Bendigo last night and am now busy preparing for Sunday's homily at St Killians Church. Tomorrow I have my very last day teaching at the college... working with these 1,500 incredible kids has been a real highlight for me this year. Tomorrow will be a good day!

My Diary!

Less than a month in the parish and my diary is filling up! I am so grateful to the people here - I could have never imagined such an amazing and full experience. I am more passionate about the priesthood, about serving the people, and above all, about living for Jesus!

After this month I head for Sydney for some conferences and other live events, then for a week in the outback followed by a retreat.... then back to sunny Malta!

Newspaper Article!

Click on image to expand image and read article.

Some big 'Gig'!

At the end draws nearer my schedule seems to be getting busier. I spent a few days at the seminary in Melbourne which I loved, then straight to College. I have a few big 'gigs' coming up... one soon in which I will be playing to a possible audience of 20,000 people in front of the Opera House in Sydney! Wow!! It's just so amazing how many opportunities God has provided over the last few months. In all this busyness I also planned a 15-day silent retreat which I'm sure I will need when I get to it.

Great Week!

I had a great week... flew to Sydney on Monday, recorded a song with some of Australia's best artists (Guy Sebastian, Paulini, et al), then returned to Bendigo Wednesday night; then headed back to college on Thursday and have now just returned from a mass with the bishop and visiting some of the elderly in the parish. I'm lovin' it! This Sunday I drive to Melbourne to spend a few days at the seminary there!

;)

Just got back from Eucharistic Adoration... it's such a refreshing experience every time. I have College tomorrow morning so I should plan an early night! I also fly to Sydney on Monday for another recording... this time at Sony BMG studios! Wow! Always need prayers when it comes to recording ;) Cya!

Where to Begin?

It's been one of those weeks... so much to do and so much to catch up on. I'm in a state of 'mental block'... "where to begin" type of thing! We have some Eucharistic Adoration's, a Youth Mass, a few concerts, radio interviews, studio recordings and talks in the near future and there is alot of preparation involved. Apart from this I have been working on a few new songs. One thing at a time I guess. All exciting!! I'm off to the gym to let out some steam... then I'll begin;)

Above: Poster for upcoming Adoration

Has been a good week of planning and hard work. It's funny, as time comes to a close you begin to realise what you could have done, and other things you could have done better. I have 2 months left in St Therese parish, and in 4 months I return to Malta... time flies, but God has been so good to me.

I go to spend 2 days with some priest friends in the country tomorrow! Should be good and relaxing. I'm taking my laptop and guitar... hoping to write a few new songs.

For all you Aussies in the area.... I updated my "Upcoming Shows" on MySpace! Catcha!!

Chockers!! A busy week... college, parish work, meetings, and then had a Maltese friend (whom I had not seen for 11 years), living in Melbourne, visit for a few days.

I felt a bit unwell today, so I went out and bought some vitamins and flu medicine , stopped by the supermarket to buy some kinda healthy supper and watched a fantastic DVD! Man... this "thirteen" movie is so real and so moving!

Recording and Back...

Studio recording went great! The musicians and producer are out of this world... it's gonna be a fantastic album, but one that may take months to finalize! I'll be back in the studio again soon to continue working on the project.

Back to Bendigo and had a glorious day at college. I get so much energy from these students!! Another busy day ahead tomorrow.

Breaking News!!

Breaking News:) Next week I go into a studio in Melbourne to begin what could possibly be my next album. Please keep me, the producers and the band in your prayers!! I'll be working with Melbourne's best to produce this worship project.

Pasta Night!

We recently organized a "Pasta Night" for some of the older youth in the parish. It was a brilliant social night which was to conclude our 7 weeks of Bible studies. Next time though, I'll be sure to start of the sessions with a meal... it proved to be such a good time of getting to know each other.

Below is also a pic of my parents and myself with bishop Joe and two of his seminarians.

Happy Easter Driving!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!! I had a fantastic 3 weeks with my dad and mum visiting here and a great Easter week too - balancing a retreat with the bishop, parish ceremonies and time with parents (who are now safely back in Malta) . I just got back from Melbourne as i went to spend yesterday afternoon with some relatives and then spent the night at a friends house. Over the last 3 weeks I must have driven 1,000 K's (kilometers;)! Have a relaxed week at the parish ahead.

It's been a while since my last post. I have been travelling around Melbourne and Sydney with my parents. It has been fantastic family time... done some shopping, met some friends and seen some sites. Today we are going to see the Opera House, Sydney bridge and climb the Centre Point! Looking forward! We head for Bendigo this Tuesday where I will get back to my routine once again.

Feeding the Roos!

Quick few Words!

Hey... mother arrived here in Australia! Been great catching up!! Catcha later!!

Long DIstances!

I just came back from a good time of adoration! It's so refreshing! More travelling ahead... I have to wake up early tomorrow morning to play at a conference of 1,800 teachers... it's a 2 hour drive! Then Saturday back to Melbourne to pick my mum up from the airport! I've travelled over 1,000 Km over the last week! It's so nice to drive long distances here.... big open spaces! Yesterday I went on a bus trip with some parishioners... it was fantastic... Kangaroos, emu's and ducks ate out of my hand!

Off Again!

Back home for one day as I hope to head back to Melbourne tomorrow to visit a parish there and then to meet with some family living in the city. I am also working on a new music recording with Australias best!! More news about that later;)

Wohoo!

Just got back from our "17-30" meeting! I loved today's meeting.... we discussed next Sunday's Mass readings - alot to chew on!! Tomorrow morning after gym I head for Melbourne... I am going to spend a day at the seminary. Last time I went there I broke the gate - I hope all goes well this time. Have to get back to Bendigo for 8:00 Adoration which I am to 'animate' ;) Then... Thursday afternoon after college I have a 2 hour drive for band practice! Wohoo!!

What a Week!

Today was my first day back at Catholic College. I visited 5 classes today! It's amazing, I'll not know what to say before I go in to the class, but "once I pop I just can't stop";)!

Yesterday we had a good turn-up at adoration (about 55 people)... lovely to see these people are "hungry" for God! Our young adults group was well attended too! It's been a busy, but good week. Tomorrow I have another day at college and on Saturday I have a meeting in Melbourne! It just keeps getting better!