HONG KONG (SE/KKP): As the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, it has launched its first emblem design competition, inviting participation from all sectors to reflect the spirit of synodality.
During a briefing session at the Diocese Centre on January 4, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, highlighted the significance of innovation and the diocese’s recent efforts in evangelisation, aimed at breaking stereotypes often associated with the Catholic Church. He underscored that the new emblem should embody the Church’s commitment to love, its deep-rooted presence in Hong Kong, and its vision of journeying with people, listening to them, and addressing issues such as “relational poverty,” according to a report published by Kung Kao Po, the diocese’s Chinese-language weekly, on January 12.
Three winners will be selected by a panel of judges. The winners will have the opportunity to join a free eight-day pilgrimage to Rome in May, and their designs will be featured as the diocese’s official emblem on its website and other promotional materials.
Vicar general, Father Peter Choy Wai-man, acknowledged the challenges of designing a logo for the Diocese of Hong Kong, given its inclusiveness in terms of ethnicity, language, and culture. He encouraged the faithful to actively participate, emphasising that the competition provides a valuable opportunity for the Church to hear diverse perspectives, which can enrich its evangelisation efforts and service to the wider community.
The judges emphasised the importance of concepts like “synodality” and “sharing” highlighted by Church leaders, encouraging participants to adopt an open-minded approach and express these themes symbolically in simple and impactful designs that resonate with younger generations
Renowned designers Tommy Li and Alan Chan have been invited as voluntary judges for the competition. Li noted that the briefing session demonstrated the Church’s thoughtful consideration for participants and the progressive mindset of its leaders. Chan, a brand consultant and artist, admitted his limited knowledge of the Catholic faith but shared his appreciation for the tranquility and sacredness of churches he has visited during his travels. He described his role as a judge as a divine opportunity to contribute meaningfully and deepen his understanding of religious beliefs.
The judges emphasised the importance of concepts like “synodality” and “sharing” highlighted by Church leaders, encouraging participants to adopt an open-minded approach and express these themes symbolically in simple and impactful designs that resonate with younger generations.
Barrister Henry Lo and Sister Pauline Yuen, MIC, have been invited as consultants for the competition.
The competition deadline is February 28, and winners will be announced on the diocesan website and notified in mid-March. Participants must be at least 18 years old and are required to submit their designs in JPG or PDF and vector format, accompanied by a text description and a completed application form. Each participant may submit up to two design sets via email to emblemdesign@catholic.org.hk.
The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong looks forward to creative contributions that will celebrate its 80-year journey and inspire its mission for the years to come.
