HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong has unveiled the coat of arms of Bishop-elect Father Stephen Chow Sau-yan, which includes a giraffe symbolising a big heart and a wide horizon, the Tsing-Ma Bridge in Hong Kong showing the importance of connecting people, and a logo in the centre symbolising unity in plurality. As a Jesuit priest, Father Chow also uses the symbol of the Society of Jesus “IHS” in hisCoat of Arms with the Jesuit motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (For the Greater Glory of God).
HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong has revealed the coat of arms of bishop-elect Father Stephen Chow Sau-yan, which includes a giraffe symbolising a big heart and a wide horizon, the Tsing-Ma Bridge which shows the importance of connecting people, and a logo in the centre symbolising unity in plurality. As a Jesuit priest, Father Chow also uses the symbol of the Society of Jesus IHS along with the Jesuit motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” [For the Greater Glory of God].
Speaking about giraffe, Father Chow said many students of Wan Yan College learned about his story about the animal: that to pump enough blood to its head, a giraffe has a big heart, which symbolises a broad and generous mind. Its long neck enables it to have a wider vision. “Short-sightedness can cause fear in oneself. Looking with vision can help one calm down,” he said. “I received some pictures of giraffes from students which were posted in my office in Wan Yan College.” The uniqueness of the giraffe in his coat of arms is that it its head extends above the shield, showing an eagerness to widen its vision.
The dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, entering the upper right of the shield, means the Word became flesh in the history of the salvation of mankind. The dove with a seven-coloured olive branch is derived from the story about Noah’s ark in Genesis representing the rainbow covenant established between God and people after the great flood.
The logo in the centre symbolises unity in plurality and the connecting lines in different colours represent different kinds of people being together with their uniqueness respected, differences appreciated and common concerns found for cooperation.
The Tsing Ma Bridge appears in the lower portion of the shield. Father Chow said the mission of the Church is to form a bridge for different parties to meet one another, which was also what the early Jesuit missionary to China, Father Matteo Ricci did.
“The bridge itself is for people to step on. Without people walking, the bridge is not useful any more,” Father Chow said. The water flowing under the bridge symbolises the flow of time and the continuing mission of the Church to serve as a bridge at the same time.
Father Chow hopes that the coat of arms will show his pastoral concerns and invites people to keep praying for the diocese and for him.
