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Breakthrough: A Journey from Desperation to Hope
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 church—an invitation not originally intended for him—helped Galea turn his life around. When he finally let God break through his loneliness and fear, he began to experience freedom and God’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, he’ll help you to see the life-changing journey of discipleship and how to find hope in your Catholic faith.
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 church—an invitation not originally intended for him—helped Galea turn his life around. When he finally let God break through his loneliness and fear, he began to experience freedom and God’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, he’ll help you to see the life-changing journey of discipleship and how to find hope in your Catholic faith.
- GenresReligion
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2018
26 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 24, 2018
I met Fr. Rob at a Teachers Convention. He has quite the story to tell...a young, depressed, messed up teen who is contemplating suicide. He is then saved by a phone call about a youth group. From there he devotes his life to God and becomes a priest.
I especially liked the stories of his younger years, as well as his analogies of God. I’ve also been watching his YouTube videos and listening to his music. He is quite an incredible person!
I especially liked the stories of his younger years, as well as his analogies of God. I’ve also been watching his YouTube videos and listening to his music. He is quite an incredible person!
February 13, 2018
Not going to lie, I was not hooked when I started reading the book, from a literary style standpoint. However, as I continued to read, I quickly saw that what I had as a knee-jerk reaction as being "simplistic" writing, actually just showed how much of a child-like faith Fr. Rob has cultivated and sustained in his relationship with Jesus. Having met (and worked to organize school events with) Fr. Rob a few times, I found it incredibly interesting to read about his life, and how God was able to break through, and deliver him from point A to B to C to D...etc. (Fr. Rob reveals in the book that the title comes from his favourite name given to God in the bible: 'Baal Perazim' - "God of the Breakthrough."
The simple (and NOT simplistic) language allows you to really get to heart of what Fr. Rob has to say, he who has amassed so many followers and has had so much influence and so many opportunities in so many avenues to spread the Gospel (which include being a contestant on 'The X Factor,' performing at World Youth Day 2008, and releasing 6 music albums, with another on the way). Fr. Rob seamlessly blends Scripture, theology, and pastoral ministry insights together, while telling you his life story, including his rebellious upbringing, his conversion, and his eventual ordination to the Priesthood. The way he has written it flows really well, and he is able to organize it in a way that makes sense. His is a story that shows that prayer works, that the Church is good, and that community is so incredibly important to cultivate and sustain faith. It's down to earth, practical, funny, and will really give you a sense of hope in the every day.
The end of each chapter also contains reflection questions and prayer tips, based on what that chapter was about. There are also some photos throughout of Fr. Rob as he grew up, family members, and the communities he has served. Finally, get those QR Code Readers out, because each chapter contains codes to scan to access videos and songs that Fr. Rob has made.
The simple (and NOT simplistic) language allows you to really get to heart of what Fr. Rob has to say, he who has amassed so many followers and has had so much influence and so many opportunities in so many avenues to spread the Gospel (which include being a contestant on 'The X Factor,' performing at World Youth Day 2008, and releasing 6 music albums, with another on the way). Fr. Rob seamlessly blends Scripture, theology, and pastoral ministry insights together, while telling you his life story, including his rebellious upbringing, his conversion, and his eventual ordination to the Priesthood. The way he has written it flows really well, and he is able to organize it in a way that makes sense. His is a story that shows that prayer works, that the Church is good, and that community is so incredibly important to cultivate and sustain faith. It's down to earth, practical, funny, and will really give you a sense of hope in the every day.
The end of each chapter also contains reflection questions and prayer tips, based on what that chapter was about. There are also some photos throughout of Fr. Rob as he grew up, family members, and the communities he has served. Finally, get those QR Code Readers out, because each chapter contains codes to scan to access videos and songs that Fr. Rob has made.
February 18, 2020
Need a book to help you get you on the right tone for a new year and new decade ahead? Fr. Rob Galea’s book Breakthrough published by Ave Maria Press was a very inspirational read for me. While reading Breakthough, I kept on thinking about how Fr. Galea’s story is like a modern version of St. Augustine’s Confessions.
Fr. Galea captures a story of conversion, discernment and change in Breakthrough. Specifically, Fr. Galea touches upon the ups and downs in his life that many youth my age face, from dark times even suicidal thoughts, to his journey to sing on the World Youth Day stage in Sydney to his ordination to the priesthood and reaching the X-Factor stage.
The thing with books like Breakthrough is that it really resonates and touches the heart. As an emotional man, I had a couple tears reading some pages because Fr. Galea’s storytelling speaks to a reality that many young people face.
What does God want me to do? As I read Breakthrough, I noticed that that seems to be the thread that gathers all the chapters together. While our human desires are what we want to pursue, as Catholics, we do so in a spirit of discernment and sometimes, our will does not align with that of God. Sometimes, our parents’ aspirations may not be be in line with God’s plans. Fr. Galea’s story shows that total surrender to God is difficult not only for an individual but also for parent(s), but by surrendering our lives to God, many good fruits are borne because God, as a Father, only wants what is the best for his children. God’s plans are greater than our plans.
On a personal level, I found Breakthrough to somewhat help me form my thoughts about seminary life. As someone who is seriously considering entering the seminary, Fr. Galea’s book has helped me to see the ups and downs of seminary life and the decision seminarians must discern. Reading this book has helped me understand the challenges that come in pursuing a vocation – being a priest is not an easy road, and Fr. Galea’s book showed that. However, Fr. Galea did not despair in challenges, but rather, took them on in a spirit of joy and optimism.
Breakthrough serves as a word of encouragement to youth and young adults. As we enter a new year, Fr. Galea’s inspiration story and music will help many young people like myself to keep our heads high and look the future with optimism, surrendering our lives into God’s guiding hands, because whatever God has in store for us may be challenging, but certainly good and rewarding.
Fr. Galea captures a story of conversion, discernment and change in Breakthrough. Specifically, Fr. Galea touches upon the ups and downs in his life that many youth my age face, from dark times even suicidal thoughts, to his journey to sing on the World Youth Day stage in Sydney to his ordination to the priesthood and reaching the X-Factor stage.
The thing with books like Breakthrough is that it really resonates and touches the heart. As an emotional man, I had a couple tears reading some pages because Fr. Galea’s storytelling speaks to a reality that many young people face.
What does God want me to do? As I read Breakthrough, I noticed that that seems to be the thread that gathers all the chapters together. While our human desires are what we want to pursue, as Catholics, we do so in a spirit of discernment and sometimes, our will does not align with that of God. Sometimes, our parents’ aspirations may not be be in line with God’s plans. Fr. Galea’s story shows that total surrender to God is difficult not only for an individual but also for parent(s), but by surrendering our lives to God, many good fruits are borne because God, as a Father, only wants what is the best for his children. God’s plans are greater than our plans.
On a personal level, I found Breakthrough to somewhat help me form my thoughts about seminary life. As someone who is seriously considering entering the seminary, Fr. Galea’s book has helped me to see the ups and downs of seminary life and the decision seminarians must discern. Reading this book has helped me understand the challenges that come in pursuing a vocation – being a priest is not an easy road, and Fr. Galea’s book showed that. However, Fr. Galea did not despair in challenges, but rather, took them on in a spirit of joy and optimism.
Breakthrough serves as a word of encouragement to youth and young adults. As we enter a new year, Fr. Galea’s inspiration story and music will help many young people like myself to keep our heads high and look the future with optimism, surrendering our lives into God’s guiding hands, because whatever God has in store for us may be challenging, but certainly good and rewarding.
March 30, 2018
Breakthrough is a frank and honest account of Fr Rob's life journey, describing how he changed from a young man lost in despair to one who gives hope to thousands of young people by helping them encounter Christ through his singing. The style is very simple and personal, yet flowing and easily relatable. Fr Rob shares his personal experiences as he opened up to the Holy Spirit, but is also very practical, describing what has he found most useful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or in using social media, for example. I liked the way in which he shifts with ease from his personal experiences - which he has a flair for recounting in a very engaging way - to helping us to reflect on the particular issues his anecdote brings up. Throughout the book there are QR codes which direct you to further multimedia and each chapter ends with some practical tips or exercises. I am sure that seekers, young and old, those seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ, young men and women discerning their vocation as well as parents and pastoral ministers lay and ordained will find this book as - well - a breakthrough indeed!
March 25, 2018
Breakthrough is my new favorite book. It is a relatively easy read which allows you to focus on Fr. Rob’s message. His vulnerability in sharing his story is inspiring. I found his story to be very relatable in a variety of ways. It’s the reminder we need that it’s ok to not be perfect. Having met Fr. Rob, it is very true to his personality which is refreshing to read about someone’s journey and not worry about how true the stories are. You can tell his stories are genuine. It is a perfect read for the Lenten season, but I will be keeping it handy throughout the year for times that I need to be reminded that I’m not alone in life. I would (and already have) recommend this book to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
February 25, 2021
I have been going through a rather difficult time recently and reading 'Breakthrough' has helped me immeasurably to organize my thoughts and come to terms with personal pain. Fr Galea's personal story and hints and tips at the end of each chapter add to the authenticity of the text.
There really is not much else to say. While this is a Catholic book, I think the underlying principles will be useful for any reader.
There really is not much else to say. While this is a Catholic book, I think the underlying principles will be useful for any reader.
September 4, 2018
Whilst most of my book club ladies either work or have children in the catholic school system, I am not catholic. I was interested in hearing how Rob took his path into becoming a Father and did find it a good read however I was expecting more autobiography and less religious passages and references to the bible.
July 31, 2020
I discovered this young priest on a video saying my favorite song Here I Am Lord and I watch all the videos on YouTube and I follow him on Facebook and all in this time of distancing covid-19 his joy in his love for the Catholic Church our Lord Jesus Christ has been uplifting and I've read this book twice before I bring this review
June 14, 2020
Just finished Breakthrough by Fr Rob Galea. A down to earth account of what it was like to live in #Malta during the 80's depression. I can relate to a lot to the issues, in which I sunk at that time and called for conversion and mercy. https://t.co/pnPgLDGSkm
February 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! Fr. Rob's encounter is amazing and I definitely recommend this inspirational read for teens, young adults, and parents!
November 16, 2020
I’m just so jealous of people who know exactly what they’re supposed to be doing with their life and then pull it off with great success. :)
December 14, 2020
Good story of this priests life.
August 30, 2022
Really fantastic book about a man's journey from very troubled teen to a confident, strong young man, and finally to the priesthood. When you first start reading it, it seems a bit awkward, but as you read on, you see that the author is just being very honest, open, and vulnerable. It's actually very refreshing. The author's faith saved him. The book left me with a profound sense of hope. I plan on buying multiple copies of this book and gifting them.
March 2, 2018
When he was a teenager, Fr Galea suffered an existential crisis. Bullied at school, he sat alone in his room night after night, and he eventually turned to bad company and even shoplifting. He felt abandoned although he had a good and loving Maltese family. Eventually, he decided to join a Catholic youth group which changed his life and led him on the path to bring a priest in Australia.
In this book, Fr Galea tells his life story and the pitfalls on the way to his becoming a priest. He had to overcome several obstacles, including depression, while he was studying. He also fell in love before hearing the call, and had to choose between his girlfriend and the priesthood.
I found Fr Galea's description of his parish and the people in Australia the most interesting part of the book. He was surprised that we are such a secular and agnostic society compared with Malta which is very religious. His struggles to bring young people back to the
Church sounds very tough but his decision to 'take the church to the people' is an excellent one. He also inspires people with his music.
I also liked Fr Galea's helpful suggestions about prayer and the Sacraments.
This is well-worth reading, especially for young Catholics.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
In this book, Fr Galea tells his life story and the pitfalls on the way to his becoming a priest. He had to overcome several obstacles, including depression, while he was studying. He also fell in love before hearing the call, and had to choose between his girlfriend and the priesthood.
I found Fr Galea's description of his parish and the people in Australia the most interesting part of the book. He was surprised that we are such a secular and agnostic society compared with Malta which is very religious. His struggles to bring young people back to the
Church sounds very tough but his decision to 'take the church to the people' is an excellent one. He also inspires people with his music.
I also liked Fr Galea's helpful suggestions about prayer and the Sacraments.
This is well-worth reading, especially for young Catholics.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews