Finally!!

It has been a while since my last post... and this is for a number of reasons - primarily because of my studies, and a recent tendency to be a little more quiet (out of the public eye). But I have been very well.

It is so easy to lose the focus of things sometimes... a struggle to see the world through God's eyes; to get caught up with the daily storms and forget that we can simply lift our arms to our loving God and be raised above the storm. This is what I have been trying to do lately - to lift my arms and allow God to carry me to see the world, others and myself through His eyes!

WYD Videos!!!!

Hey...Back in seminary and back to studies!!
Fanatastic to be back!!

CLICK HERE to watch video of the 13th Station at WYD where I sang....I sing 15 minutes into the video!

and

CLICK HERE for the Papal Mass Song Video... I sing 28 minutes into the video!

WOW!!!!!

Home at last... after over 2 weeks traveling, having driven over 2,500 Km's to Sydney, Ballarat, Canberra, and Melbourne! This was such an unbelievable few days... having had over 10 performances - three of which were in front of 200,000; 180,000 and 500,000 people respectively... "wow"... that is all I can say! It will take me months to take in all God has done over the last few days!!

Tomorrow I head back to the seminary!

Here are some pics...

Surreal WYD!

Hey...just a quick post from Sydney! All going great here...just had the wonderful opportununity of singing in front of 200,000 people last night .... twice!! It was just a surreal experience! God is too Good! I'll also be singing at tomorrow's Papal mass. This has been such an AWESOME week!

Click Here for some WYD pics >>>

Off to Sydney for WYD....
PLEASE keep the pilgrims and myself in prayer!

www.myspace.com/robgalea

Sheet Music Released!

OUT NOW!! The Sheet Music for Piano, Guitar and Vocals, as well as lyric sheets and more. Ideal for Churches, schools and for home playing. Includes 13 songs from the What A Day project. Over 60 pages of music. Available exclusively online from www.ThatsWorship.com >>>

Back from the Alps!

I'm back in Bendigo after spending 2 packed days in Myrtleford... Over three hours drive away. It was 2 days spent with a fantastic group of inspirational teenagers. The two-day event focused on Youth Leadership.

My busy schedule begins... with over 10 performances within the next three weeks... all this ending with the much anticipated World Youth Day! I will be resting tomorrow before all the travel begins around Victoria, the Capital Territory and New South Wales. May God be glorified!

Here is a pic of the school I spent the last two days in.... just beneath the freezing and beautiful Australian Alps.

Receive the Power Concert!

I will now also be performing at the main World Youth Day concert (over 150,000 people)... I'm so exciiiiited!!!;)

Click on Pic >

After 8 days on silent retreat I am now in Bendigo on a short break. I feel so refreshed and ready for the upcoming World Youth Day. There is soooooo much ahead. Tonight I drive back to Melbourne for a 2 day first aid course, then a week of seminars and after that the pre-World Youth Day Days in the Diocese begin - Concerts, talks, and so much more.... I am so excited I can barely wait!! Another great thing is that my brother will be here in Australia for a few weeks!!

Sheet Music on PRE-ORDER!

The WHAT A DAY sheet music for piano, guitar and vocals is soon out and can be pre-ordered at a super-low introductory price. Ideal for prayer meetings, churches and just playing at home. All proceeds go to evangelisation projects.
Order Here >>>

Press Release and Studies!

We're in the middle of exam week here... Seminaries tend to be an exciting place to be during exam time - everyone seems become hyperactive and all-round more fun!!;)

A press release about my involvement with World Youth Day has been published so I can now mention some of the events I will be a part of. I will be involved in 4 events. 3 of these events will be in front of more than 150,000 people, and one of those 3 will be at the final Papal Mass which will be attended by an estimated 1/2 a million people. Before that I will be singing at the Stations of the Cross in Barangaroo (Darling Harbour, Sydney) and also a 40 minute acoustic set on the Thursday night...

I'll tell you more about the rest soon enough!! Back to my studies!!!

Exam Week!

Exam Week!!! This is the last push - exams next week then retreat and finally...Days in the Diocese(the week leading up to WYD... a week of concerts, events and fun!!) where I will be packed with stuff to do (gigs, traveling, etc) ...ooh man...I'm so excited!

On another note... I was instituted as Acolyte yesterday by the Archbishop of Melbourne. This means that I have been accepted by the Church to be an official minister of the Eucharist.

Death?

A few days before I am to attend a funeral of a 15 year old girl and there are many questions I would like answered. There is something shocking in the death of a young person, who has not had a chance to live out her life. A story with an infinite number of possibilities… cut short. We are right to be angry about death, and anger is an important part of our grieving process. And we are also right to be angry with God, to ask God why, why did she die? Why her?

God gives, and God takes away, but there are two stories to be told of death: as terrible and as homecoming; as our end or as the beginning of our true liberty.

There may be no answers to the questions we ask when facing matters such as death, but it is at times like this that I am so glad I know a God who loves and is ready to welcome this precious teen, a child he has now called to be his own.

Here is a link to download a song I had written a few years back for a friend of mine who passed away >>>

Run to Jesus (Danny Boy) Copyright Robert Galea 2004

Festival Performance Announced!

One of my World Youth Day (WYD) performances has finally been confirmed and announced! I will be performing for a 40 minute set on Thursday 17th July from 7:30pm till 8:10 pm. This will be an unplugged set (guitar, piano and vocals) where I will be talking about my conversion and my vocation to the priesthood through some of the songs I have written. It will be a fantastic evening! See you there!

It will be at the Sydney Harbourside Amphetheatre on Thursday 17th July during the WYD Music Festival!

More WYD performancesto be announced soon!

Almost Livable!

It's amazing... I've been working hard on assignments and other studies and now, the most hectic time in the seminary, I am so relaxed! Most of my work is done, with just one assignment to hand in. After class today I spent the day cleaning and tidying my room.... it's almost livable!!;)

Last Saturday I went to a youth group to give my testimony and sing a few songs... yet another wonderful opportunity to be around youth on fire for God!

Just another reminder that my songs are now available on itunes!! Just log in to itunes and type in "Robert Galea"!

ITunes

Both of my albums are now available from iTunes!!

Enjoy!!

Some News!

What a fantastic week. It's been quite ordinary, but there is so much excitement in the air. I've been attending lectures, busy at seminary, gym and writing assignments. Apart from all this I've been fighting for time to practice for the World Youth Day (WYD) performances.

Apart from some major, mind blowing 'performances' at WYD I have been asked to take one of the main stages during the Music Festival (during the Thursday night) at WYD for a 40 minute concert. I'll be doing an acoustic set there - just piano, vocals and guitar! It's going to be awesome...to say the least!! Wohoo!!

Getting Cold!

It's getting cold here! it hailed and thundered a little in Melbourne today. Though I prefer summer on the whole, I must admit that it is nice to be coming into winter.

I found the time to begin another assignment today... this time I am writing about "Listening". Something we should do more often!! It is going to be interesting - I have also been learning a little about listening during my weekly hospital pastoral visits!!

Anyway...I'm now off to do some vocal exercises... Oh... by the way... I also got more news about my playing at World Youth Day... I can't waith to share all I will be doing!! Will keep u posted!!

Books and Bangles

Whilst still buried under my books alot has been happening with the upcoming Sydney World Youth Day in July, my songs on an American compilation, new Music Video release, and many other exciting things.

Its been so good in the seminary too... the overall silence here has really been a great opportunity for me to deepen my relationship with God and reflect on my vocation to the priesthood!! ... On another note:

I also just wanted to let you know that you can get 'bangles' from http://www.thatsworship.com/store.html.

My New Music Video!!!

Life!!! Love it!

It's so wonderful to be alive! It's been a while since my last post, though I have my studies to blame for that! So many essays to write and so many errands to catch up on. World Youth Day is round the corner and I can't wait for some press releases so I can share what I will be doing there. Some other great news... one of my songs made it on an international compilation CD... more news later! Back to relaxing... tomorrow I'll be buried in books once again! Lovin' it though!!

Off to Shep!

This weekend the Chuch is celebrating the Good Shepherd so I have been sent to Shepparton (2 1/2 hours from Melbourne) to share about my vocation during the Masses there!! Its so nice to be able to do that after an intense time at my desk finishing off essays. So far 3 assignments have been completed (over 8,000 words in total), and on Monday I begin yet another on the Gospel of Matthew!

Lake view in Shepparton above!

A reminder to check out my newly updated website on www.ThatsWorship.com!!


God bless!!!!

NEW WEBSITE!!!

Hey Girls and Guys,

MY NEW WEBSITE IS UP!!!!
Check it out....

www.ThatsWorship.com

Incredibamazing?!?!

I just got back from an incredibamazing (??!!?) week away. Starting off with a Jars of Clay and PlanetShakers concert, followed by a road-trip to Adelaide where I hung out with friends, spoke and sang at a fantastic youth meeting and just relaxed!! It was a 14-plus hour drive back to Melbourne as we took the Great Ocean Drive. Now back to work... and looking forward to it too!

Foot Of The Cross music video is being launched today in Sydney and should be online very soon. My new website will also be up very soon I hope!

Jars of Clay and Adelaide

Happy Easter!! A last post before I leave bendigo to Melbourne for a "Jars of Clay" Concert and then a road-trip to Adelaide!! Wohoooo!!! Easter ceremonies were incredible and so uplifting!
God bless!!

Update!?!

I have been busy essay writing lately - I am 1/3rd of the way through my 1st one!! The rest of my day is spent at the bishop's house in Bendigo learning from his inspirational teachings on St Paul!!

Also of worthy note (or is it worthy of note!!?):

• New (ThatsWorship.com) Website Soon Up!!

• Tomorrow I become a lector!

Heat, Writing, Lector and Road-Trip to Adelaide!

Autumn is a few days away and it is a whopping 38 decrees Celsius here in Melbourne! I have been keeping very busy with lectures, essay writing (in the middle of a 6,000 word essay at the moment), and preparing for Holy Week. I will be spending a week at the Bishop Joe’s house for some intense teaching, and will also be receiving the minor order of Lector on Holy Thursday!!

Then, after celebrating Resurrection Sunday I drive off to Adelaide (10 hour drive) for a few days holidays with 3 other friends!!

Week of Adventure!!

It has been a few days since my lat post, as Internet is not so accessible here! Apart from that my time has been so taken up with studies, prayer... (and gym;)! I have been having such a blessed time here, learning so much through my studies, and through the many wonderful people I am living with!

On another note, I had a poisonous spider in my room the other day... managed to get rid of it, though I am a little paranoid at the moment, feeling spiders on me that are not there;)

Today is my 'day off' where I get to catch up with some academic stuff, emails and meet some friends - tonight I am off to meet a friend of mine who is a Spanish singer (also sings in the WYD song with me)!

Anyway... praying for you guys in Malta!! Election day!! God bless!!

Finally…time to sit down before the computer and post something! It’s been a rewarding week. Lectures have begun and I have also actually started studying. I have to get as much covered as possible before World Youth Day. There is a real atmosphere of study and reflection here and it has been so nice building new friendships. It’s amazing how God gives the grace to enjoy life and feel at home even so far away from family and friends.

On another note, I will soon have a new website on ThatsWorship.com or RobertGalea.com and my music video is ready and almost ready to be launched. I will put up a clip of it shortly and will be launching it towards the end of March in collaboration with FaithTrip.net (a new Catholic personal and community space).

Update from Melbourne!

One week has passed since moving into the seminary right in the city of Melbourne to continue my studies. It’s been an interesting week where I have been doing a lot of thinking though I must admit I have not quite settled down yet. The guys here (almost 50 of us) are fantastic – coming from all over the world – Korea, India, Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Malta, Africa and more… It’s a wonderful multi-cultural community. I begin my studies next Monday and will also be working in a local hospital once a week. It is going to be an exciting few years!!

Heading off to Seminary!

I'm off!!! Just a few minutes before I drive to Melbourne towards the seminary... exciting, but I need all the prayers I can get! I still have no idea of internet access in there... I will keep you posted!

By the way...I got a scanned copy of the article...thanks so much!

Scan me a copy??

I am in the city of Melbourne for a few days working on some cover version recordings for an upcoming event! I love it! On another note... the music video of Foot Of The Cross is soon out - filming is completed and it should be released by March 2008. So exciting! Also... yesterday there was an interview/article about me released on the Times Of Malta apparently - if anyone has a scanner and can send me the article please do so at info@thatsworship.com - thanks a MILLION!!!

I am sitting back by my computer listening to music and thinking how great it is to be alive! I know life is full of ups and downs, and the thing is in 'down times' we forget the ups, but life is good when lived for a higher cause than ourselves!! True!

My entry date to the Melbourne seminary is approaching... 1 week to go and I am excited and scared at the same time! Went to some horse races today - fantastic experience!!

Just got back from Sydney yesterday and what an fruitful time it was. We began the filming of a new music video with an amazing team - including an award winning film director, fantastic actress and more...more to be revealed soon. I also had some very good meetings for upcoming BIG concerts and performances.

Seminary begins in 11 days - it will be a little hard settling down in such a hard routine after a year and a half away from seminary life, but I must admit I am somewhat excited!!

Tomorrow we will be having a parish Adoration here in Kennington, and on Friday I go back to Catholic College to play a few songs! Wohooo!! Hi Five!!

Off to Sydney!

Just a quick post before I head off to the airport. I'm going to Sydney for 4 days to record a music video and have a few important meetings. An article came out on Zenit about me... read here>>>

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!!