A homecoming for four cherished Catholic statues
Four Catholic statues have been returned to the Nelson communities where they hold a deep and enduring connection, bringing a piece of the city’s religious and educational heritage home after more than 40 years.
The statues of St Thérèse of Lisieux, Jesus of the Sacred Heart, St Joseph and Child, and an Altar Angel were familiar features at Sacred Heart College, later known as Redwood College, on Manuka Street. St Thérèse of Lisieux and St Joseph and Child were displayed within the College.
After the College closed in 1982 and the Catholic Convent was dismantled in 1983, some Parish items were transferred to Founders Heritage Park to be cared for and stored safely. More than 40 years later, the statues were identified and verified by former students of Sacred Heart College/Redwood College and members of associated community networks. This led to a request from the Catholic community for them to be returned to their original home.
A handover ceremony at St Joseph’s School was held on Tuesday 20 October 2026, attended by students, teachers, Nelson City Council representatives and members of the Catholic community. The Altar Angel has a new home in the Liturgy Prayer Room at Garin College. St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Joseph and Child, and Jesus of the Sacred Heart have returned to St Joseph’s School on Manuka Street, close to their former home.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Councillor Mel Courtney attended the handover ceremony. Mayor Nick says Council was happy to return the treasured statues to the Catholic community.
“I’m particularly delighted that the Altar Angel, which was one of a pair, has been reunited with its companion at Garin College. These four statues are closely connected with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, which dates back to 1871 in Nelson – they are rich taonga for the Catholic community.
“I want to thank the St John Paul II Parish and Catholic school communities for rehoming these statues and enabling students and parishioners to enjoy their heritage and beauty.”
St Joseph’s School Principal Chris Bascand says the return of the statues brings a responsibility to share their story with future students.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Bernadette King-Turner (Parish Archivist) and John McQuire (Garin College) to bring these treasured statues back to St Joseph’s, where they once stood. I now feel a real sense of responsibility to ensure their story is shared with our students and future generations, keeping this special part of our history alive.”
Nelson City Council Curatorial Specialist Ari Edgecombe who works at Founders Heritage Park says the return reflects the Council’s role in caring for community heritage.
“The return of these statues recognises that heritage is not only about preserving objects, but also about preserving the connections, memories and stories that give them meaning. Returning these statues to Catholic community settings honours their longstanding place in Nelson’s Catholic history”.
For the Catholic community of Nelson, the statues represent decades of devotion, education and service. Their return gives students a chance to reconnect with that history, not simply by preserving the past, but by allowing these familiar figures to become part of community life once again.
After decades at Founders Heritage Park, four cherished pieces of Nelson’s Catholic heritage are finally home.
