HONG KONG (SE): The 2026 Hong Kong Book Fair will run from July 15 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Catholic booths, operating under the diocese’s 80th-anniversary theme, “Messengers of Hope”, were opened by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide visitors to Jesus and help them find peace through reading.
Participating in the exhibition at the spirituality zone of Hall One are the Catholic Centre, Kung Kao Po, the Catholic Truth Society, and the Diocesan Audio Visual Centre, all of which are showcasing the latest faith-based books and audiovisual products from various publishers.
Cardinal Stephen emphasised that the diverse range of books—covering theology, philosophy, and family life—aims to do more than simply share knowledge. Instead, he hopes the exhibition will inspire a quest for faith, wishing that every visitor may find opportunities for spiritual growth.
Having just returned from a trip to the United Kingdom, Cardinal Stephen noted that many Hong Kong émigrés are searching for a place to settle down and for inner peace. He believes people visit the book fair for a very similar reason, even if they have practical motives as well.
“I believe many friends who visit our spiritual zone are searching for meaning in their lives, as well as spiritual peace and comfort. That is why we need to be messengers of hope,” he said.
Cardinal Stephen urged volunteers to look beyond commercial sales, encouraging them instead to help visitors feel valued and to show genuine care so as to help others find light. “Our belief is that every person, every life, is loved and cherished,” he said. “If there is love, there is faith; if there is faith, there is hope.”
To engage younger visitors, the booths feature a large cartoon backdrop depicting Jesus and the Lamb.
Featured at the booths is the recently published Chinese-language autobiography of John Cardinal Tong Hon, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, titled The Lord is My Shepherd [主為我牧], jointly published by the Catholic Truth Society and the Holy Spirit Study Centre. The Catholic Truth Society is also offering cartoon discount cards featuring images of Jesus Christ and other saints for visitors who follow their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Following the success of last year’s event, the Catholic Centre is launching a new line of prayer sheep dolls. The centre is also debuting a selection of miniature saint figurines, as well as watercolour saint-printed hand towels. English-speaking readers can explore a rich selection of study Bibles, theological books, daily spiritual guides, and interactive children’s faith books.
