Devotion to the Infant of Prague
This is the name of a devotion that has evolved from the gift of an eighteen-inch statue of the child Jesus. The figure's left hand holds a globe surmounted and its right hand is poised in blessing. It represents both Christ's kingship and childhood. The devotion gained ecclesiastical approval from the Bishop of Prague in 1655. (See CCC #s 531-534.)
Infant of Prague
About the middle of the seventeenth century the community of Discalced Carmelite Fathers in Prague found itself reduced to a state of extreme want. A certain pious benefactress had great faith in the miraculous powers of a beautiful waxen image of the infant Jesus given her by her mother who had brought it from Spain. Desiring to aid the fathers in their distress, she presented them with this statue, saying: ''As long as you honor this image, you shall never want."
The words proved prophetic. The image was given a place of honor in the oratory and the community flourished. When the monastery was pillaged and the statue lost, the fathers, when able to return, were forced to live in dire poverty until the image, found after a long search, was restored to its rightful place. So many were the favors obtained through this image that it was decided to place it in the church that the faithful might share in the blessings which the divine infant dispensed with such liberality. They came in great numbers to pray at the shrine and countless were the favors granted and even miracles worked on their behalf
The devotion soon spread beyond the limits of Prague to all Europe and then to all parts of the world. It has continued to increase in popularity in some parts of the world. Today thousands claim to have obtained favours of all kinds by reason of their devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague. However, liturgical renewal has resulted in a lessening of devotions such as this one, because liturgy is better meeting some needs the devotions met.
Today, many Irish families still have a statue of the Infant of Prague in their homes, although devotion to this aspect of the kingship and childhood of Christ has waned almost to the point of extinction. Tradition has the child Jesus statue being dressed in “regal” clothes using the colors of the liturgical seasons.
Novena to The Infant Jesus of Prague
To be said for nine consecutive hours or for nine consecutive days for an urgent intention.
Jesus, You said,
"Ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find, knock and
it shall be opened unto you."
Through the intercession of Mary,
Your Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek, I ask
that my prayer be granted.
Mention your request
Jesus, you said
"All that you ask of the Father in My name, He will grant you."
Through the intercession of Mary,
Your Holy Mother,
I humbly and urgently ask You Father in Your Name
that my prayer by granted.
Mention your request
Jesus, You said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but My Word shall not pass."
Through the intercession of Mary,
Your Holy Mother,
I feel confident that
my prayer will be granted.
Mention your request