Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague
Read the history of devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague below and pray the novena
History of the Infant Jesus
The original statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague was made as a wedding gift from a Spanish Princess to her royal cousin in Austria. The statue is carved of wood coated with wax, standing about 48 cm tall, with the left foot almost hidden under a white tunic. The left hand holds a little globe, surmounted by a cross, signifying the universal kingship of the Child Jesus. The right hand is extended in blessing with the first two fingers raised up to symbolize the two natures of Christ, while the folded thumb and last two fingers touch each other representing the unity of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit in the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
The garment of the Infant Jesus is similar to the priest’s alb. It is a combination of white linen and lace. Covering these is a cloak made of velvet over which is worn a cape. It represents the Infant Jesus dressed in royal robes, wearing a crown. He is the King of the Universe.
The statue was discarded and His hands dislocated. A Carmelite found and fixed the hands, then placed the statue in a place of honour in the Carmelite Church in Prague, Czech Republic.
In 1637, as a Carmelite priest, Fr. Cyril, prayed before the Infant Jesus statue and was filled with amazement, contemplating the loving God Who made himself a child for the sake of His creatures. Suddenly, the statue spoke thus to the bewildered Carmelite: priest
“Have mercy on Me and I will have mercy on you. Give Me hands and I will give you peace. The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Novena to the Infant Jesus
Jesus, Who said: “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” through the intercession of Mary, your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.
(Make your request)
O Divine Jesus, Who said: “Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” grant me the simplicity and wonder, the tenderness and gentleness of a child. Fill me with innocence, hope, and love.
(Make your request)
O Divine Infant, help me to know how close You are to me and how powerful is Your embrace. Help me to trust that You do hold the whole world in Your hand. I place my every need and care in Your hands.
(Make your request)
Prayer to Honor the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
Divine Infant Jesus, I want to give You my hands today. I want to serve You with all my heart and make You known and loved. Doing Your will is the source of my inner peace and joy.
Divine Infant, I give You my hands to touch those I meet with Your love and peace. I ask You to heal those in pain, to encourage the hopeless, to console the sorrowing, and to provide for those in want. I ask You to reach out to the lonely. I especially plead for the many people suffering from great poverty and injustice.
Miraculous Infant, I believe that You love me and know all of my needs. I place them in Your hands, especially my present concerns (mention your intention here). I trust in Your love and care. I want to honour and praise You, now and forever. Amen.