HONG KONG (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., is encouraging Catholic organisations, parishes, and ministries to adopt the official emblem of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong as a desirable tool to foster communal identity, strengthen a shared sense of belonging, and project a unified witness of Christ’s mission across the wider Hong Kong Catholic community.
“I feel very happy that we finally have our own diocesan emblem, and it’s very sharp,” said Cardinal Stephen. He recalled his joy upon seeing the emblem featured as the backdrop during the 80th-anniversary prayer and musical event at Chater Garden in Central, symbolising the diocese’s connection with the community.
During an interview with the diocesan Chinese and English newspapers on September 3, Cardinal Stephen cleared up the misconception that the emblem was created for the 80th anniversary.
He emphasised that an emblem must represent the long-term unity and identity of the Diocese of Hong Kong—especially since many dioceses around the world already have their own, and major local Catholic entities, such as Caritas, maintain an established corporate emblem or branding.
“This is a brand… why do we need an emblem? Because we need to tell others who we are,” he said. Reaffirming its deeper purpose, he stated that the emblem serves as a timeless beacon of faith, hope, mercy, and solidarity.
Furthermore, he pointed out that it is not a restrictive corporate logo representing the administration at diocesan headquarters. Instead, it belongs to the entire Catholic community of Hong Kong—including every parish, youth group, and frontline ministry.
However, Cardinal Stephen drew a clear distinction regarding appropriate usage, emphasising that the emblem signifies a direct connection of the diocese to the broader community.
Therefore, it is not only suited for diocesan documents, projects, youth events like the World Youth Day, and fundraising campaigns, but also deanery or parish initiatives that explicitly involve or partner with the diocese.
I feel very happy that we finally have our own diocesan emblem, and it’s very sharp
Cardinal Stephen
While routine parish association meetings or their own activities should not require the emblem, any event that engages the diocesan cooperation—such as cross-parish initiatives and youth gatherings sponsored by the diocese-level organisations—is encouraged to feature it.
Diocesan organisations with well-established logos, such as the Diocesan Audio Visual Centre, are welcome to pair their existing branding with the diocesan emblem in future productions.
Created through a public design competition, the winning emblem was submitted by a 25-year-old brand designer, Jeff Chan.
Reflecting on its simple, modern, youthful aesthetic, Cardinal Stephen noted that the emblem naturally fits into promotional materials for youth gatherings.
Design rooted in prayer and mercy
The emblem features two hands joined in prayer, showing that the diocese is journeying with the faithful in prayer with gratitude, serenity of heart, confidence and strength. The white space between the hands reveals the silhouette of a cross and a church, resembling an arrow pointing forward and symbolising the faithful walking together in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Cardinal Stephen agreed with one of the honorary judges, renowned designer Alan Chan, that the white silhouette recalls the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, extending its arms in compassion to the world.
“It represents a Church of Jesus Christ’s mercy. The Church isn’t meant to stand high and mighty above others, but to bring the mercy of Lord Jesus Christ—a Church of mercy,” he said.
The official colour scheme pairs Marian blue with pure white, honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary—the patron saint of the diocese—and symbolising spiritual purity.
An orange variation is available for specific celebratory events, such as diaconate and priestly ordinations, accommodating traditional Chinese cultural preferences where blue might be seen as inappropriate for joyful occasions.
A black-and-white version is reserved for periods of bereavement, tragedies like the Tai Po fire last year and photocopies.
To maintain brand integrity, the graphic symbol must always appear paired with the name of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong.
While routine parish association meetings or their own activities should not require the emblem, any event that engages the diocesan cooperation—such as cross-parish initiatives and youth gatherings sponsored by the diocese-level organisations—is encouraged to feature it
Protecting brand integrity while streamlining access
Project Manager Agnes Mak explained that because the emblem represents the official corporate identity of the diocese, it has been registered with the Trade Marks Registry of the Intellectual Property Department to protect against unauthorised commercial use, fraud, or bogus donation appeals.
Addressing administrative friction in securing use of the emblem, Mak noted that while strict application rules were introduced to protect intellectual property and prevent fraud, the diocese is actively seeking to streamline the process.
Acknowledging these initial “teething issues,” both Cardinal Stephen and Mak affirmed that the diocese is transitioning toward a fast, accessible registration system—such as a simple online form—to make emblem usage as effortless as possible.
Reflecting on the journey, Mak shared her joy in managing the project, recalling how deeply moved the non-Catholic designer was during a champion’s pilgrimage to Rome. She remembered seeing him kneel in prayer at a cathedral—a moment that inspired him to subsequently join the catechumenate.
“In this project, we are not just working on an emblem,” she said. “We are truly evangelising.”
