The Holy Infant of Prague, also known as the Infant Jesus of Prague or the Child of Prague, is a revered statue of the child Jesus that is located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, Czech Republic. This small wooden statue has a rich history and is believed to have miraculous powers.
The Origin of the Holy Infant Statue
The origin of the Holy Infant statue can be traced back to Spain in the 16th century. It is believed to have been carved by an unknown artist and was donated by Princess Polyxena Lobkowicz to the Church of Our Lady Victorious in 1628.
Legend has it that: during the Thirty Years’ War, when Prague was under attack, the Carmelite friars placed this statue near their monastery gate as a sign of hope and protection. Miraculously, the city was saved from destruction.
Appearance and Devotion
The Holy Infant statue stands at around 19 inches tall and is made out of wood. It depicts Jesus as a young child dressed in royal robes, holding a globus cruciger (a symbol of authority) in his left hand while raising his right hand in blessing.
Devotion to the Holy Infant: The statue quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors alike due to its reputed healing powers. It became a focus for prayer and devotion, with many pilgrims seeking solace and blessings from the Holy Infant.
Miracles Attributed to the Holy Infant
The Holy Infant is associated with numerous miracles and answered prayers. Many people believe that through their devotion and prayer, they have experienced physical healing, financial blessings, reconciliation with loved ones, and other personal miracles attributed to this holy image.
- Healing: Countless testimonies speak of physical healings and relief from various ailments after praying to the Holy Infant.
- Financial Blessings: Some devotees claim that their financial situations improved after seeking the intercession of the Holy Infant.
- Family and Relationships: Many individuals credit the Holy Infant with restoring broken relationships, bringing peace to their families, and helping them find love.
Feast Day and Pilgrimages
The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague: The feast day of the Infant Jesus of Prague is celebrated on May 27th. On this day, believers gather in the Church of Our Lady Victorious to pay homage and seek blessings from the Holy Infant.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit Prague throughout the year to offer their prayers and petitions at the statue. The Church of Our Lady Victorious has become a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics who have a special devotion to the Holy Infant.
Caring for the Holy Infant Statue
The statue is dressed in different outfits depending on liturgical seasons and feast days. It is believed that changing his clothes can bring blessings and favors. The garments are typically made by devoted parishioners or donated by pilgrims.
Note: If you plan to visit Prague and see the Holy Infant statue, it’s important to be respectful during your visit. Remember that it holds great spiritual significance for many people.
In Conclusion
The Holy Infant of Prague holds a special place in Catholic devotion as a symbol of hope, healing, protection, and blessings. Its remarkable history, associated miracles, and devout following have made it an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Prague and beyond.
Whether you are seeking solace, healing, or simply want to admire this beautiful work of art, a visit to the Church of Our Lady Victorious to see the Holy Infant of Prague is sure to be an inspiring experience.