Discover
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.
AI summary
Architect Michael O'Sullivan has gifted a tiny chapel to the people of Christchurch, located on a Lyttelton hillside. The Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux is a 17m² spiritual space for anyone seeking quiet contemplation, built in response to the loss of local churches.
Its design is rich with meaning, featuring a triangular door symbolising the Trinity, an interior lined with ancient river rimu, and a heart kauri carving of Jesus by artist Johnny Hauraki.
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.
Author
Discover More
The letter that helped this couple buy on the street where she grew up
A letter to the sellers helped Hannah and Jamie buy a four-bedroom Tawa home on the street where Hannah grew up.
Tawa’s village vibe keeps Wellington families coming back
Great schools, a strong community and more house for your money: why Wellington families put down roots in Tawa.
