Devotion to the Infant of Prague

Anne DeSantis discusses the history of the Infant of Prague, sharing a novena that will begin soon. Do you have an Infant of Prague statue in your home?

The history of the devotion to the Infant of Prague began in Spanish culture in the year 1556. Soon after, the original statue of the Infant was brought to the Czech Republic, to the city of Prague, which has been its home ever since. It is housed in the church of Our Lady Victorious, where millions have come to visit seeking humility, sincerity, and simplicity. The statue of the Holy Child of Prague is a favored devotion of many, and it is often found in churches, monasteries, and homes.  

The Story of the Infant  

There is a long history of the Infant of Prague, but one particular story stands out, as do the prayers associated with it. A priest, Father Cyril, had been praying for hours in front of the divine image meditating on the divine goodness of our Savior. During his meditative prayer time before the Blessed Sacrament and the Infant, he heard these words, “Have pity on me, and I will have pity on you. Give me my hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor me, the more I will bless you!” At that moment, Father Cyril noticed the broken hands of the beautiful Infant statue. 

The priest begged the prior of the monastery where he lived for the money to repair the hands, but he was rejected. Father Cyril did not give up, and he prayed earnestly for the funds to repair the hands of the statue. The story continues as the priest is rejected over and over again for a considerable amount of time. Although Father Cyril was tempted to become frustrated, he did not give up his prayers.

Finally, after many trials in the process of finding funds to properly mend the statue, various miraculous occurrences came about, and the money was granted to repair the statue’s hands. Eventually, the Infant of Prague became the cornerstone of the devotions of the Carmel of Prague. 

The Novena  

The Novena to the Infant of Prague is a simple prayer asking for the Lord’s providence and protection in a specific situation. In praying the novena, we can ask Jesus to help us to grow spiritually and in humility in cultivating our relationship with Him. In addition to praying and asking the intercession of the Infant of Prague, many Catholic homes throughout the centuries have made space for the precious Infant in their homes as a reminder of the love and blessings provided by our loving God.  

The feast day of the Infant of Prague is the third Sunday of May. He is the patron saint of children, education, health, and financial matters. Part of the Novena prayer states, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened.” 

Modern Catholic families can benefit from devotion to the Infant of Prague in developing greater trust in God and in interceding to his divine Son. Learn more about this beautiful devotion and celebrate the feast day this May. He will lead you to greater love of Our Lady and Our Lord and to an abundance of trust in God in all things.  

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Copyright 2024 Anne DeSantis
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