The Beatitudes in Shung Tak

To commemorate Shung Tak’s 65th Anniversary, a ground-breaking project was launched to engage all S.5 students (2022-2023). The project involved creating a three-dimensional wall painting showcasing The Eight Beatitudes, which featured a dove with an olive leaf in its mouth.

The dove is symbolic. According to Genesis, after “the downpour from the sky was held back” (Gen 8:2) Noah first sent out a raven, to see if the waters had lessened on the earth but it flew back. Noah then sent the dove to find land, and it returned with an olive leaf, signifying the end of the flood (Gen 8:11), so Noah knew that the waters had lessened on the earth. The project is permeated with the meaning of hope for a better future. The dove also represents the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to the Beatitudes, which serve as a guiding principle for our lives.

Before embarking on the painting process, a professional artist provided the students with a lesson on the history and techniques of mural painting. These lessons took place in their ERE classes, and the project commenced in late April.

This innovative project delivered an immersive visual experience promoting the message of the Beatitudes and fostering a sense of community within the school. With the active participation of the entire F.5 cohort, they created a memorable and meaningful tribute for the 65th-anniversary celebration. Through this project, the students learned not only about the art of mural painting, but also about the importance of positive values and character-building skills. The inclusion of the dove and olive leaf represented the significance of faith and hope, as they worked collaboratively towards a better future guided by the Beatitudes.