Prayer is a powerful tool that helps us connect with the divine. It allows us to express our gratitude, seek guidance, and find solace in difficult times. One of the most popular devotions in the Catholic Church is praying to the Infant of Prague.
This devotion is centered around a small statue of the infant Jesus, dressed in royal robes and holding a scepter. But why do we pray to this particular image of Christ? Let’s explore.
History of the Infant of Prague
The origins of the Infant of Prague can be traced back to 16th century Spain. According to legend, a monk named Brother John brought a small statue of the infant Jesus with him when he traveled from Spain to Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). The statue was originally made in Spain and was given as a wedding gift to a Bohemian princess.
After Brother John arrived in Bohemia, he gave the statue to his friend, Lady Polyxena von Lobkowicz. She was deeply devoted to the infant Jesus and placed the statue in her private chapel. Over time, people began flocking to this chapel to pray before the image of the Infant.
In 1631, during the Thirty Years’ War, invading Swedish armies sacked Prague and damaged many churches and chapels. However, Lady Polyxena’s chapel remained untouched despite being located outside city walls. The local people saw this as a miracle attributed to their prayers before the Infant of Prague.
Why Do We Pray to The Infant Of Prague?
The devotion to the Infant of Prague centers around two key themes: humility and trust. The image represents Christ as an infant, vulnerable and dependent on others for care. This reminds us that even though Jesus is divine, He chose to enter our world as a helpless baby.
Praying before this image also reminds us that we should trust in God’s providence, just as the infant Jesus trusted in His parents for everything. By praying to the Infant of Prague, we ask for the grace to have childlike faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Prayers to The Infant Of Prague
There are many prayers that can be said to the Infant of Prague. One of the most popular is the Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague. This novena is typically prayed over nine days and includes a specific prayer for each day.
Another popular prayer is the Litany of the Infant Jesus. This litany includes various titles and attributes of Christ as an infant, such as “Divine Child”, “Prince of Peace”, and “King of Love”. It is a beautiful way to honor this devotion and meditate on Christ’s humility and love.
Conclusion
Praying to the Infant of Prague is a powerful way to deepen our relationship with Christ. It reminds us of His humility, trust, and love for us.
By incorporating this devotion into our prayer life, we can grow in faith and find comfort in difficult times. As you pray before this image, may you be filled with peace and joy knowing that you are in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.