The Infant of Prague: It’s Not Just About a Statue

There’s something profoundly moving about gazing upon a statue of Jesus as a small child—not yet the suffering Savior on the cross, but the vulnerable infant who entered our world in a humble stable.

The devotion to the Infant of Prague invites us into this tender mystery: God becoming a little child for love of us.

The Story Behind the Statue

The famous statue of the Infant of Prague stands just under 19 inches tall and depicts the child Jesus dressed in royal robes, holding a globe in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing.

But how did this particular image become so beloved throughout the Catholic world?

The statue’s origins trace back to Spain in the 16th century, where it was treasured by Saint Teresa of Ávila before being given as a wedding gift to a Spanish noblewoman, Maria Manriquez de Lara. When Maria’s daughter Polyxena married a Czech nobleman, the statue traveled with her to Prague as part of her dowry.

In 1628, Polyxena donated the statue to the Discalced Carmelite friars in Prague, telling them, “I am giving you what I prize most highly in this world. As long as you venerate this image, you shall not want.”

Her words proved prophetic—but the friars would first learn this lesson through hardship.

Years of Neglect and Restoration

When war and persecution scattered the Carmelite community, the statue was damaged and forgotten, stored away in a dusty corner of the church. During this time, the monastery fell into poverty and decline.

Years later, a young priest named Father Cyril rediscovered the statue, its hands broken off. As he knelt before the image, he heard these words in his heart: “Have mercy on Me and I will have mercy on you. Give Me hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you.”

Father Cyril worked tirelessly to have the statue restored. When new hands were placed on the figure, the fortunes of the monastery began to change. The community flourished once again, and word of the miraculous image spread throughout Europe.

What This Devotion Teaches Us

The Infant of Prague isn’t simply about a statue—it’s about encountering Christ in his childhood and all that this reveals about God’s love for us.

When we venerate the Christ Child, we honor the Incarnation itself: the astonishing truth that the eternal God chose to enter our world as a helpless baby, dependent on human care. He who sustains the universe allowed himself to be held in Mary’s arms.

The royal garments on the statue remind us that this child is King of Kings, even in his smallness. The globe in his hand shows his sovereignty over all creation. And his raised hand offers us his blessing and peace.

This devotion also invites us to approach Jesus with childlike trust. As our Lord himself taught, “Unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Before the Infant of Prague, we’re reminded that we can come to God with simple, confident faith.

Praying to the Infant of Prague

Many people have experienced remarkable answers to prayer through this devotion, particularly in matters of material needs, family concerns, and seemingly impossible situations. The Infant of Prague has become known as a patron of financial difficulties, vocations, and expectant mothers.

We invite you to join us in praying the Novena to the Infant of Prague by clicking on the link below or by visiting us on our website and YouTube channel. Whether you’re facing financial struggles, family troubles, health concerns, or simply seeking to grow closer to Christ, the Infant of Prague invites you to come with childlike faith.

As the inscription on the original statue in Prague reads: “The more you honor me, the more I will bless you.”

Novena to the Infant of Prague

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