Praying to Infant Jesus of Prague – Understanding the Tradition
The Infant Jesus of Prague is a famous statue of the infant Jesus in the Czech Republic. The statue is located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague and has been venerated by Catholics for centuries.
Many people pray to the Infant Jesus of Prague for various reasons, including healing, protection, and guidance. In this article, we will explore why we pray to the Infant Jesus of Prague.
The History of Infant Jesus of Prague
The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague dates back to the 16th century when Princess Polyxena von Lobkowicz received a statue from her mother-in-law as a wedding gift. The statue was brought from Spain and was believed to have been made by a monk who had prayed intensely while carving it. The statue originally depicted Mary with baby Jesus, but over time, it became known as the Infant Jesus of Prague.
In 1628, the Carmelite friars at Our Lady Victorious Church in Prague received the statue as a gift from Princess Polyxena’s daughter-in-law, Maria Manriquez de Lara y Mendoza. The Carmelites placed it on their altar and began to pray to it regularly.
The legend surrounding the statue says that if you pray to it with faith and devotion, your prayers will be answered. This legend spread throughout Europe, making the Infant Jesus of Prague one of the most popular Catholic devotions.
Why Do We Pray to Infant Jesus of Prague?
There are many reasons why we pray to Infant Jesus of Prague. Here are some common ones:
1) Healing: Many people believe that praying to Infant Jesus can heal them or their loved ones from physical or emotional illnesses.
2) Protection: People also pray to him for protection against accidents, danger or evil spirits.
3) Guidance: He is often seen as an intercessor between us and God who can guide us in difficult situations.
4) Blessings: People pray to him for blessings in their personal and professional life.
How to Pray to Infant Jesus of Prague?
There is no prescribed way to pray to Infant Jesus of Prague. However, you can follow these steps to create your own prayer:
1) Begin by lighting a candle and focusing your mind on the statue.
2) Express your intention – what do you want to pray for?
3) Offer your prayer in silence or recite a prayer that resonates with you. The most common prayers are the Novena of Infant Jesus of Prague and the Litany of Infant Jesus.
4) End by thanking him for listening to your prayer and believing that he will answer it.
Conclusion:
The Infant Jesus of Prague is a symbol of faith and hope for millions of people worldwide. We pray to him with faith, devotion, and gratitude, believing that he will answer our prayers.
Whether we seek his guidance, protection, healing, or blessings, we know that he is always there for us. So next time you need help or inspiration in life, remember the Infant Jesus of Prague and say a little prayer.