Maltese priest wins hearts through music in Australia

Maltese born priest Fr. Robert Galea is a priest with a difference. He has travelled the world inspiring students with his guitar, performing Christian rock and pop.

Fr Rob spoke at Ryan Catholic and St Margaret Mary's colleges in Australia about growing up in Malta, Victoria's Townsville Bulletin e-paper reported.

"I try to give young people an understanding of the joy of our faith and show our faith is based on Jesus - he is a person and it's not a set of rituals," he said.

Now based in Shepparton, Victoria, the 30-year-old said he felt compelled to show students they could get through the darker times in life.

"I face depression and suicide every day with the people I work with," he said.

"In a way my own weakness and dealing with depression has been a source of energy and strength and I want others to see this is possible."

Signed with Sony Music in 2008 and ordained as a priest in 2010, Father Rob has come a long way.

"I started singing in a youth group when I was 17 and my love for it grew from there," he said.

"I toured Europe and met a Sicilian priest who inspired me to accept God into my life and now I'm doing the same."