Poster for the Second Veritas Cup hosted by the Chinese section of Radio Veritas Asia. The Chinese hymn-composing competition this year breaks several records. (Photo supplied)
The Second Veritas Cup, a Chinese hymn-composing competition, has broken several records due to the response from Chinese Catholics around the world.
Overall entries increased with half of the 250 entries coming from mainland China, according to the Chinese section of Radio Veritas Asia, organizer of the contest, which stopped receiving entries on May 31.
Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan account for 25 percent of entries and overseas Chinese communities account for another 25 percent, said Radio Veritas Asia.
"There was an apparent increase in entries and inquiries from overseas communities, from countries like Belgium, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S.," Father John, coordinator of the contest, told ucanews.com.
The last contest in 2013 attracted 182 entries, with 16 percent coming from overseas Chinese communities.
More musical bands formed by young people joined the contest as well, particularly from Malaysia and China.
Priests, nun and seminarians are also participating, he said.
Father John said he was amazed to see that 70 percent of the contestants joined the hymn-composing competition for the first time.
"Several participants told us that they are joining the contest not for winning but with the hope to share their music," the priest said.
"If they win the award, they would donate the cash prize," he added.
This event will also see greater varieties of entries, from songs for children, liturgy, worship and everyday faith life, as well as the music of ethnic minorities.
The result of the Second Veritas Cup will be announced July 16 and a concert and award presentation will take place in Macau in October.