What Is the Infant of Prague Novena?

By Michael Ferguson

The Infant of Prague Novena is a powerful and popular devotion in the Catholic Church. This novena is centered around the veneration of a small statue of the Child Jesus, known as the Infant of Prague. The statue, which is over 400 years old, is located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, Czech Republic.

The Origin of the Infant of Prague

The origin of the Infant of Prague dates back to the 16th century when a Spanish princess gifted the statue to a Czech noblewoman. It is believed that the statue was originally created in Spain and later found its way to Prague.

Legend has it that while traveling through Bohemia, the noblewoman faced difficult weather conditions. She took refuge in a small village church and left behind the statue as an offering. Later, when she returned to reclaim it, she found that it had miraculously grown in size.

The Devotion

The devotion to the Infant of Prague focuses on seeking divine assistance through prayer and intercession. Many Catholics turn to this devotion for help with various intentions such as healing, financial difficulties, family issues, and spiritual guidance.

The Novena

A novena is a nine-day period of prayer dedicated to a particular saint or devotion. The Infant of Prague Novena typically begins on the 17th of any month and ends on the 25th. During these nine days, devotees pray specific prayers while meditating on various aspects of Jesus’ childhood.

Here is an example of how you can structure your daily prayers during the novena:

  • Day 1: Pray for humility;
  • Day 2: Pray for trust in God’s providence;
  • Day 3: Pray for childlike faith;
  • Day 4: Pray for love of God and neighbor;
  • Day 5: Pray for the virtues of hope and patience;
  • Day 6: Pray for purity of heart;
  • Day 7: Pray for the grace to forgive others;
  • Day 8: Pray for an increase in faith, hope, and love;
  • Day 9: Pray for your specific intentions.

The novena can be done individually or as a community. Many churches organize special services during this time, where the statue of the Infant of Prague is adorned with beautiful clothing and offered special veneration.

The Miracles

The Infant of Prague has been credited with numerous miracles throughout history. Devotees claim that through their prayers and devotion, they have experienced physical healing, financial blessings, family reconciliations, and spiritual graces.

If you decide to embark on the Infant of Prague Novena, it is important to approach it with faith and a sincere heart. The power lies not in the statue itself but in the trust placed in God’s mercy and intercession.

In conclusion

The Infant of Prague Novena is a beautiful devotion that allows Catholics to connect with Jesus through His childhood. It provides an opportunity to seek divine assistance while deepening one’s faith and trust in God’s providence. Whether you are facing challenges or simply seeking spiritual growth, this novena can be a powerful tool in your spiritual journey.