Devotion to the Infant of Prague: Trusting Jesus With Childlike Faith

The Infant of Prague is a beloved image of the Child Jesus, dressed in royal robes and wearing a crown. This devotion reminds us of Christ’s kingship—even in His infancy—and invites us to trust Him with the bold, simple faith of a child.

Recently, my parish brought back a statue of the Infant of Prague. I remember exactly where it stood in the old church years ago, but it had been out of sight since the move to the new church. I’m not quite sure where it was all that time. Now, seeing it displayed again—clothed in rich garments and crowned with a golden globe—feels like a quiet invitation to rediscover the beauty of trusting Jesus with childlike faith.

A King in the Form of a Child

The Infant of Prague is more than a devotional statue; it’s a powerful reminder that God became a child and calls us to approach Him with humility and confidence. For centuries, Catholics around the world have turned to the Infant Jesus in times of need, praying for protection, provision, and peace:

This devotion has inspired saints, popes, and everyday believers—including Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN, who had a deep love for the Infant and believed strongly in His power to help those who trust in Him.

What Is the Infant of Prague?

The statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague is about 19 inches tall, showing the Child Jesus holding a globe in His left hand and raising His right in blessing. Though small, the image represents the majesty of Jesus, who reigns as King—even as a child.

The devotion began in the 16th century in what is now the Czech Republic. A noblewoman gave the statue to the Carmelite friars in Prague, saying, “Honor this image, and you shall never want.”

Origin of the Statue

The statue is believed to have originated in Spain, possibly crafted in the 1300s. It was brought to Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) by a Spanish noblewoman who married into Czech nobility. In the early 1600s, Princess Polyxena of Lobkowicz donated the statue to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague with the words:

“I give you what I prize most highly in this world. As long as you venerate this image, you will not be in want.”

What was the Miracle of the Infant of Prague?

Shortly after receiving the statue, the Carmelite monastery experienced many blessings and signs of divine protection. But during the Thirty Years’ War, invading soldiers ransacked the monastery and damaged the statue—its hands were broken, and it was stored away and forgotten.

Years later, Father Cyrillus, a Carmelite priest, discovered the damaged statue in a pile of rubble. As he prayed before it, he heard the words:

“Have mercy on Me, and I will have mercy on you. Give Me My hands, and I will give you peace. The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you.”

Taking this as a divine message, the priest had the statue restored. From that point forward, many reported miracles and graces: healings, conversions, protection from danger, and help in desperate financial or family situations.

This moment marked the beginning of widespread devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague.

Reported Miracles and Graces

Over the years, countless faithful have reported miracles through this devotion: healings, conversions, financial help, and protection in times of danger. The statue itself has survived invasions and wars, sometimes found miraculously unharmed.

Many believe the Infant Jesus offers special protection and blessings to those who honor Him and place their trust in His Divine Providence.

The Infant of Prague Novena

You can pray the Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague over nine days—or, for urgent needs, once an hour for nine consecutive hours. Here’s a version of the prayer:

Novena Prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague

O Jesus, who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, and I ask that my prayer be granted.
(Mention your intention here.)

O Jesus, who has said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father in Thy Name, that my prayer be granted.
(Mention your intention here.)

O Jesus, who has said, “Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass,” through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
(Mention your intention here.)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and will never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life.

Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands.

Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen.

Bringing the Devotion Into Your Life

Here are a few ways to grow in devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague:

• Place a statue in your home as a reminder to entrust your needs to Jesus.
• Pray the Novena during times of special need or urgency.
• Celebrate His feast day (observed in some places on January 14) with prayer and gratitude.
• Teach children about His love and how they can speak to Jesus as a friend.

Final Thoughts

Jesus came into the world as a helpless child to teach us humility, trust, and love. The Infant of Prague reminds us that God is present in our weakness. When we feel powerless, we can look to the Christ Child and find hope.

He doesn’t ask us to be perfect—only to trust Him as children do. His small hands bless, guide, and protect all who seek Him.

Jesus, I TRUST in You.