Infant of Prague

Devotion to the Infant Jesus as a child and yet King of Heaven is a theme to contemplate in prayer. The seemingly opposed virtues of humility and powerful authority are joined in this view of Jesus Christ. We are drawn to imitate His humility and to trust in His sure providence and care over us: this “Great, Little King”.


As far back in Old Testament times the prophet Isaiah spoke: "There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness." (Isaias 11:1-2) The Christ Child is given to us, He who "being rich, became poor for your sake, in order that by His poverty you might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). Our Eternal Father ordained that His Son, Jesus, should know all life's stages: infancy, childhood, youth, and that He should be like us in everything, except sin. And above all, we have Our Lord’s own instruction about spiritual childhood and its necessity for salvation: “Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, humbles himself ... he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Most historians believe that the original wax statue known as the Infant of Prague was carved in Spain around the year 1340 in a Cistercian monastery. Some traditions claim that a monk had a vision of the child Jesus and fashioned the statue after what he saw. The statue remained in Spain for several centuries, and a pious tradition claims that St. Teresa of Avila possessed the statue in the 16th century. Whatever the case may be, the statue found its way to Prague during the reign of the House of Habsburg in 1556.

In 1631, when enemies of the Church sacked Prague, they mocked the Holy Infant and threw the statue into a heap of trash in an obscure place. Some years later, a Carmelite in the Prague Monastery, found the statue. One day, while praying in reparation before the damaged holy image, he heard the consoling words,"Have pity on Me and I will have pity on you; restore My hands and I will give you peace; the more you honor Me, the more I will bless you." The image indeed was, through a series of trials and difficulties, repaired and restored.

In the ensuing centuries, so many graces, blessings, and miraculous cures came to those who embraced this devotion, that it spread throughout the Catholic world and continues to be a source of much grace to this day.

Read more about this devotion in our past newsletter Holy Simplicity.

Testimonials

“I just wanted to thank you for the excellent customer service provided by your online shop and the very fine quality of scapular (the best I've seen) and Miraculous medal. I admire the wonderful work you are doing towards the restoration of Holy Church and Her glorious traditions.”

– D.M., Northern Ireland

“Out of all of the on-line religious goods stores I've found, the articles on your website are all quality without the kitsch. I received my order of religious jewelry super fast. Thank you. I’m so happy to have a place to go when I need a quality sacramental.”

– Andrew, Colorado, USA

“Every item is absolutely beautiful! I have not encountered any other service, either online or brick-and-mortar establishment, that offers items of the same exquisite quality as your sacramentals. The aesthetic beauty is not only pleasing to the eye but inspires devotion in the heart and a more ardent desire to please God. I will definitely be using your wonderful service for most of my devotional needs! Thanks again! God bless you, Sisters.”

– Antonia, New York, USA

“Excellence is the Sisters trademark! As always, a smooth easy means of purchase, coupled with prompt shipping . The Items I have purchased over the years are always of superb quality and workmanship. I could not be more pleased.”

- Francis T Walsh

“I have now purchased at least a dozen brown scapulars from the Sisters of Carmel and have always received items of the utmost quality that wear very well. Adding to my satisfaction is that the Sisters charge a standard USPS shipping rate for the items, i.e., they do not add to one’s cost by charging inflated “shipping and handling” charges. Furthermore, my order was shipped one business day after I placed my order. We are all called by God to serve within the confines of His graces to us. The Sisters of Carmel are models of that calling.”

- Ed Shimkus

“I have received my orders from you and again want to thank you for them. The Blessed Sacrament and Seven Dolors chaplets are beautiful and will be treasured by me for many years. As others have said, the pictures on the web site don’t do them justice. I also want to thank you for the books you carry. They are clearly selected with the goal of deepening faith. It is wonderful to find a place where I can go and know that I will receive quality, not only of merchandise, but of faith. Again, thank you for the work you do.”

– Mary, Minnesota, USA

“I just received my scapular and crucifix along with the Miraculous Medals. I am so very pleased with the quality of the items! Truly the BEST on-line selection of sacramentals. Thanks so much! I will be ordering from you again soon.”

– David, Ohio, USA

“Your website is like an oasis of good spiritual things! You do such magnificent work, the chaplets are amazing! The badges are like having good friends near, and your books are so nourishing to the soul. I feel so blessed to have found you. Thank you again, and you are in my prayers.”

– Laura, California, USA

“Unbelievable service – I received my order on Monday, exactly five days after placing it. Your customer service is outstanding. Everything was securely packaged and arrived in perfect condition. The ceramic ornaments are lovely, and I can’t wait to add them to my Christmas tree this year. The exquisite suncatcher will be placed in my kitchen window where it will be appreciated every day. And as for the ‘In Paradisum’ CD, all I can say is it’s on continuous loop right now. I love early sacred choral music and have a collection of CD’s, but this one is stunningly beautiful and has become my new favorite.”

– Linda, North Carolina, USA

“I wanted to let you know that I received the Rosary that you created for us just a short while ago. Sisters, it has to be without exception the most beautiful Rosary I have ever held. It is exactly how I envisioned it and the size is perfect. You were also right about the beads; the color is exceptional! Thank you, thank you, thank you each and every Sister for doing such a perfect job and for putting up with us throughout this whole process. While rersearching this project, every time I looked elsewhere, I always seemed to be guided back to the Sisters of Carmel, and now I know why...PERFECTION!

– A Catholic Church, New York, USA

“I just wanted to thank you for the exceptional care you took in packing/shipping the books and other items in my order.... It’s the little extra touches like this that go a long way with the customer and lets them know how much you value their business.”

– R.C., New York, USA

“I received my sterling silver Pardon Crucifix yesterday. It was such a pleasure to receive it. Everything was packaged and presented with such care and finesse. The crucifix was crafted with such intricate and beautiful details that it does not do justice to look at it through the Internet. One has to order it to relish what a beautiful piece of art it is. Again, the manner you package the crucifix, the enclosures contained within, and the quality of craftmanship itself has totally exceeded my expectations.”

– K.W.C.

“I recently purchased a cord rosary from the Sisters of Carmel. I have to say the quality and craftsmanship was far beyond my expectations. I was so impressed I ordered two more rosaries as gifts. God bless the Sisters of Carmel and God bless your ministry! Your rosaries, in my opinion, are of the finest quality anywhere.”

- Chris

“When I asked my priest to bless my new scapular, it took his breath away by its handmade beauty. I told him it had been made with loving hands by the Sisters of Carmel. I felt the Holy Spirit say to give it to him. I did. He was overwhelmed. I ordered another one for myself and it arrived today. I love it. It is so beautiful. I will kiss it every day. I am eager to have it blessed tomorrow and wear it immediately. Thank you.”

– Anonymous

“I love to order any item from your site. Always such high quality and a joy for all that I give them to. Your care and blessings are felt from the Holy Spirit to us. Thank you and God bless you.”

- Julia

“Once again the best. I appreciate you quickly sending me the scapular. I could have gone locally to purchase one, but I truly appreciate your craftsmanship and customer service.”

- Linda

“This is the most beautiful rosary I have ever seen crafted. Combining high quality materials, skillful labor, and loving prayer, the Carmelite Sisters are hands down the best choice to go with when shopping for rosaries. Reasonably priced, quick delivery, and wonderful customer service, I will DEFINITELY be ordering all of my future rosary purchases from ”

United StatesClose
Flag of United States
Powered by
duty and tax information for United States