His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong

Curriculum VitaeThe coat of arms
1959: Born in Hong Kong
1984: Accepted by the Society of Jesus and had Novitiate training in Ireland
16 July 1994: Ordained priest in Hong Kong
17 May 2021: Appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong
4 December 2021: Ordained bishop in Hong Kong
9 July 2023 :Named by Pope Francis as the new Cardinal
30 Sept 2023 :Elevated by Pope Francis as Cardinal
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy (double majors), University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1982
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1984
Licentiate in Philosophy (Lic. Phil.), Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Dublin, 1988
Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.), Holy Spirit Seminary College, Hong Kong, 1993
Doctor of Education (Ed. D.), Harvard University, 2006
Ministries
Honorary Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, 2007-2014
School Supervisor and Chairman of the School/Incorporated Management Committee of Wah Yan College, Hong Kong and Wah Yan College, Kowloon, 2007-2021
Guest Professor, Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology & Philosophy, Hong Kong since 2012
Provincial Superior, Chinese Province, Society of Jesus, 2018-2021

Galero: scarlet

Tassels: scarlet

The 30 tassels are divided into left and right sides, with 15 tassels on each, in a five-layered pyramid.

The composition of the coat of arms of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. is the same as that of his Episcopal coat of arms, both are composed of 6 identical parts.

The main color of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.’s coat of arms is scarlet. Cardinals wear scarlet as a sign of the blood of the martyrs, it is associated with religion, devotion, and sacrifice. It is because as a cardinal, when necessary, he testifies to his faith and will not hesitate to “shed blood”.

Jesuit Symbol

IHS (ancient “Christogram”) is the first three Greek letters of “Jesus” IHΣOΥΣ. Three nails that nailed Jesus on the cross symbolize the three vows of religious life (obedience, poverty and chastity). They are for us the ways to follow Christ. The cross above the ‘H’ developed from a short horizontal line above the three letters denoting an abbreviation. A vertical line added later makes it into a cross. Sunrays symbolize the divinity of Christ.

AMDG

Jesuit motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” – For the Greater Glory of God. God does not need us to give Him glory, but we live and serve with the spirit of bringing God greater glory.

Giraffe

Giraffe has a big heart and it symbolizes compassion, inclusiveness and generosity. Its long neck allows it to have a vista with a wide horizon and a farreaching vision.

Central Symbol

Unity in Plurality. Respecting the uniqueness and independence of each person/unit symbolized by the different colors and shapes, with empathic understanding; while united with interconnected commonality symbolized by the intertwines; and developing towards a greater whole symbolized by the encompassing circles.

Dove with a Branch

The approaching dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Guided by the Spirit in discernment is the way forward. The olive branch with leaves in rainbow colors symbolizes Hope and the Promise of God for Life and Creation.

The Bridge

It is the Tsing-Ma Bridge connecting two pieces of land over water. The mission of our Church is to be a bridge for different parties to meet by moving over it. The flowing water underneath symbolizes the passing of time, which represents the ongoing mission of the Church.

  • By: davc