Infant Jesus of Prague

Infant Jesus of Prague in wood – Devotion and tradition

The story of the miraculous statue venerated in Prague and hand-carved in Val Gardena

The Infant Jesus of Prague in its original form is a 48 cm wax statue displayed on a side altar of the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Prague.

According to tradition, the statue was created in Spain, in a village between Córdoba and Seville, by a devoted monk who experienced several visions of a beautiful child. Realizing it was the Infant Jesus, he longed to see him again. Years later, the Child reappeared and said: “Make a wax statue based on my appearance.”

The monk obeyed. As he worked, the divine Child stood before him, allowing the monk to faithfully replicate His features. Once the statue was completed, the monk knelt before Jesus in humility and tears of joy. Jesus then told him: “This statue is not for you. In a year, Isabella Manrique de Lara y Mendoza will come, purchase the Divine Child, and give it to her daughter Maria as a wedding gift. Maria will take it to Bohemia. In Prague, it will be greatly venerated.”

And so it was. The statue arrived in Prague where it became a symbol of mercy, peace and charity. People from all nations would invoke the Holy Infant of Prague in times of emergency and need.

The cult of the Infant Jesus of Prague grew stronger due to numerous miracles attributed to the statue. Today, the church in Prague remains a major pilgrimage site. Those in danger or distress pray to Him through novenas or personal devotions.

Since the early 18th century, it has been tradition to dress the statue in elaborate garments; it now possesses over 70 outfits donated from around the world.

Replicas began appearing in the 14th century, mostly hand-carved from wood. During the Baroque period, versions in wax, ivory and bronze were added. In Val Gardena, the Infant Jesus of Prague continues to be carved from wood by hand, preserving the Alpine sculpting tradition.