The name "Ming-Ai" is a Mandarin derivation of the Latin word "Caritas" meaning "Love".
The motto of the Association is: "To Love is to Serve".
The Association has close links with Caritas Hong Kong, which was founded in July 1953. The main objects of Ming-Ai Association are to serve all peoples irrespective of colour or creed for the advancement of Christian religion, the advancement of education, the relief of poverty and the general benefit of the public in such manner as may be charitable.
"明愛" 這個名字是取於拉丁文 "Caritas" 的中文翻譯，意爲 "博愛"。
明愛的箴言是： "愛是服務"。
明愛會和1953年7月成立的香港明愛有著緊密的聯繫。明愛會的宗旨是打破膚色與信仰的界限，以慈善精神服務人群，謀求基督精神的發展、教育事業的進步、貧困的緩解以及公眾的普遍利益。
Meaning of the Logo 院 徽 涵 意
The cross and flame, symbolising Christian love, is the logo of Caritas International, the Catholic Federation to which Caritas Hong Kong belongs. The lion symbolises Britain; the dragon, China; the sampan, Hong Kong; the seas, learning without boundary.
十字和火焰象徵著基督的愛，它是國際明愛的徽章，也是香港明愛所屬之天主教聯盟。獅子象徵英國；騰龍代表中國；舢板意指香港；而大海意味學海無涯境。