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Controversial architect’s tiny chapel is ‘a place to spend a moment or five’
Michael O'Sullivan has built a tiny chapel in Lyttelton. St Thérèse of Lisieux is a gift to the people of Christchurch.
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Architect Michael O'Sullivan has built a tiny chapel in Lyttelton as a gift to the people of Christchurch. Named St Thérèse of Lisieux, the 17m² structure offers a private, spiritual space for contemplation and gratitude, overlooking the harbour.
The design is rich with meaning, featuring a triangular door and an interior lined with ancient river-recovered rimu. A key feature is a life-size carving of Jesus by artist Johnny Hauraki, crafted from heart kauri salvaged from an earthquake-damaged building.
New Zealand artist Johnny Hauraki carved the life-size statue of Jesus on the cross from heart kauri timber beams rescued from a Christchurch warehouse damaged in the earthquakes.
The joy of smallness
The chapel is available to anyone wishing to pause in their day - the O’Sullivan family wants people to “come and enjoy it, and respect it”.
The sculpture has one arm raised and one lowered to represent Jesus on the threshold of Christianity.
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