The bronze figure shows Jesus sleeping on a park bench in front of a warming centre for homeless people in the city.
St Peter and Paul Jesuit Catholic Church presented the statue after Mass on Sunday.
The sculpture shows a life-sized man lying on a bench with his feet showing from underneath a blanket, they bare the marks of crucifixion.
Timothy Schmalz, the artist has similar sculptures on show in other cities including Washington and Chicago.
Revd Gary Wright, the parish's pastoral administrator, says the congregation hopes the installation will be "a great event for the city."
