Keynote Speaker: Fr Rob Galea
Founder and Executive Director of ICON Ministry, Catholic Priest and internationally acclaimed, author, singer and songwriter

Fr Rob Galea is a Catholic Priest currently serving in Sandhurst Diocese, Victoria after moving to Australia from Malta, his home country. He is the founder and executive director of FRG Ministry, now the ICON Ministry. Fr Rob is an internationally acclaimed author, singer, and songwriter with one book Breakthrough, and eight album releases. After being selected to sing and write the English and International versions of the official 2008, 2016, and 2019 World Youth Day songs. He has been featured in newspapers, magazines and TV shows worldwide, and was a contestant in Australia’s 2015 The X Factor. Fr Rob’s book Breakthrough is intended to be released as a Hollywood movie in 2025.

Synopsis

In the dawn of an era dominated by artificial intelligence and an impending Metaverse reality, questions about integration, influence, and the potential transformations in societal norms are increasingly prevalent. For the Catholic Church, these advancements pose both a challenge and an opportunity, especially in engaging with the youth. We will delve into the pivotal role that AI and the Metaverse can play in the religious landscape, particularly in reaching out to and resonating with young people.

Fr. Rob Galea and the ICON Ministry team are currently utilising AI and the Metaverse to reach over 1,000,000 young people each month. Why is this so important and what are the opportunities, limitations and dangers?

The address will open with an introduction to the current technological landscape, highlighting the prevalence of AI and the development of Metaverse technologies. It will address the fundamental question: What do these advancements mean for the Church? This will be framed within the context of their potential impact on religious practices and youth engagement. The address will be interwoven with the music of Fr Rob.

Date: 
Friday 14 June 2024

Time: 
6.45pm for 7.30pm