The new statue of Marie Restituta in the renovated park in Husovice remains hidden

Brno - A memorial to the victims of both world wars and a statue of Blessed Marie Restituta with a pedestal have been added to the renovated park of Marie Restituta in the Brno district of Husovice. The statue was created by sculptor Radim Hanke. The park is currently closed due to construction work, and the statue is hidden, said city district deputy mayor of Brno-north Martin Glogar (KDU-ČSL) to reporters today. The opening, along with the unveiling of the statue of the blessed nun, is planned for May 1.

The city hall has been revitalizing the park since last October; this is the first part of the second phase. The 12 million crown project mainly includes the adjustment of sidewalks in the central area and the restoration of greenery, furniture, and lighting. "The Park of Marie Restituta has both historical and symbolic value. Therefore, we decided on its comprehensive revitalization and we have happily supported the placement of a statue of this significant personality. The goal is not just to repair the existing park, but to create a truly representative space that will dignify the historical significance of this place while also serving for relaxation and gatherings," said Glogar.

According to him, there is an interesting fact associated with the memorial to the victims of wars. The new one correctly has the first name of the resistance fighter Captain Tomek, who perished in 1942 in the Mauthausen concentration camp. The original had him listed as Robert; the new one correctly lists him as Norbert.

Last fall, the park was inaccessible. There was a winter break during which people could walk through it. It is now closed until May 1. After the repaired areas are opened, the last part will remain unfinished, where, in addition to restored greenery, a children's playground, a water feature, and a social space for potential cultural events should be created. Glogar hopes that this part will be completed by the city district next year.

The Park of Marie Restituta stands on the site of the old Husovice cemetery, which was abolished in 1962. Later, the Tišnov railway was established above the cemetery, from which the original railway embankment leading into the area of Husovice has been preserved to this day. In 1983, the place was transformed into a public park, and in 1999 it was named after Husovice native Helena Kafková, who, as a nun, took the religious name Marie Restituta. She dedicated her life to caring for the poor and the sick. Years ago, the city district repaired the upper part of the park at the site of the former Tišnov railway.