HONG KONG PORTRAITS - Joseph ZEN ( 8 )

Joseph ZEN - Retired Cardinal of the Catholic Church, sixth Bishop of Hong Kong. A prominent pro-democracy religious leader.




I met Cardinal Zen this afternoon outside main entrance to THE HONG KONG CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION on Caine Road Hong Kong Island.


Cardinal appeared on time, he approached me gently from behind, I turned my head as I felt his presence and there I saw his face, THAT FAMILIAR FACE WITH A FRIENDLY SMILE.  I introduced myself to the Cardinal at once, then went on to brief Cardinal Zen what I want with my photo-shoot. Cardinal listened to me with curious look, smiling. Cardinal told me that currently there is an interior maintenance in process at certain part of the church building, would that affect my work ? I told him it won't bother me. Subsequently I led Cardinal to the Altar where there's a Cardinal's Chair,  I asked him to take a seat. It was a hot summer day and air condition wasn't turned on inside the Cathedral. I asked Cardinal whether he needs to turn on the fan to cool himself before I start photo-taking, but Cardinal told me that he don't need the air condition and he's quite alright. He told me to carry on with my business. I felt that he isn't a type of nervous person but instead, very well composed and at ease with himself, a very casual person.


Coincidentally, Chinese Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, LIU XIAO BO was murdered by Chinese Communist Regime just yesterday, I asked Cardinal to pray for Liu as he sat quietly on the Cardinal's Chair.



Cardinal Zen, Shanghainese by origin. He left his homeland, China, to avoid religious persecution as a young boy. He fled to Hong Kong with his family of Catholic faith to seek refuge in the Crown Colony soon after the establishment of Chinese Communist Regime on the MAINLAND.  From thereafter, he took the road of becoming a CATHOLIC PRIEST, and eventually Cardinal have become much reveered leader of the Hong Kong Catholic Church. With his integrity and charisma, he led the local Church with stiff resistance against Chinese Communist who attempt to assimilate Hong Kong Catholic Church with authoritarian doctrines in a hope to twist the very nature of orthodox Catholic tradition.  His tough stance against Beijing authority and his will to uphold Catholic tradition in Hong Kong have upset Beijing, making him a major target of hate by the Mainland Authority. Cardinal Zen, although being a Priest, he never placed himself outside secular world but maintained close contact with the PEOPLE, positively engaging in social affairs, local politics, inquiring what Christians can do to improve Hong Kong's social condition under the influence of Chinese Communist Regime. He is a FIGHTING PRIEST who has been struggling hard for local Church, devoting his energy and faculty so that Hong Kong Catholic Churches won't be dyed in RED. I have immense respect for his will, courage and strength.


I am very honoured that I had the chance to meet Cardinal Zen in person today, this lovely old fellow, a respectful religious leader, A TRUE CHRISTIAN.



I'm wishing that he will carry on speak of justice for the Church and people of Hong Kong.




Liau Chung Ren （ 廖中仁 ）

2017, 7-14
Instagram@bluuren

* English translation from original Chinese script, some modifications are made. English translation by the author.