The origin of the Infant of Prague is not truly known, but historical sources believe that it started with a small 28 centimeter high sculpture of Jesus as a child with a bird in his right hand. This statue is believed to be carved around the year 1340.

The popularity of the Holy Child grew in the Baroque period in Spain. Some of the sculptures made in Spain found their way to Prague. Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic.

It is unknown which of these early sculptures that came to Prague was the exact origin of the Infant Jesus of Prague. It was thought to come from a monastery in Bohemia and then was taken by Dona Isabella Manrigue who gave it as a wedding gift to her daughter Marie Manrigue. Years later, the Holy Infant statue was given to Marie's daughter, Polyxena, as a wedding gift also. Then, in 1628, Lady Polyxena presented the statue to the Carmalites at the Church of the Virgin Mary the Victorious in Mala Strana saying, "I am giving you what I most esteem of my possesions. Keep the sculpture in reference and you will be well off." The statue then became known as the Infant Jesus as Prague.

O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall recieve, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened." Through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.

(Make your request)

O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you." Through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted.

(Make your request)

O Jesus, Who has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My Word shall not pass away." Through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.

(Make your request)

Most Pure Heart of Mary's Infant of Prague

For more history and pictures about the Infant of Prague, visit  http://www.karmel.at/prag-jesu/english/eng/jezuleen.htm, and http://www.prayerbook.com/Prayers/Prague/infaprag.htm