The Infant Jesus of Prague is a small wooden statue of the child Jesus, dressed in royal robes and holding the orb of the world. The statue originated in Spain in the early 16th century, and in 1628, it was given to the Discalced Carmelite friars in Prague. The Infant Jesus of Prague was initially placed in the Carmelite monastery, and the monks began to experience numerous spiritual blessings after the statue’s arrival.
Over the years, the statue was adorned with richly embroidered garments, jewelry, and with the centuries pass more ornate jewelry was added. In the eighteenth century with the help of generous donations from devout Christians from all around the world and the Catholic Church, several crowns were made to adorn the Infant of Prague statue, which included gold, diamonds and other precious jewels.
Among the many beautiful crowns that have been presented to the Infant Jesus of Prague, the most famous and valued is the Crown of the Infant Jesus of Prague, also known as the Holy Crown. The crown is a masterpiece of art and is made up of precious materials such as gold, silver, precious stones and pearls.
The crown was originally commissioned in 1651 by the Roman Emperor Ferdinand III, and it took more than 40 years to complete it with many of the European’s finest goldsmiths, silversmiths, gem cutters and jewelers are said to have contributed to the creation of the crown. The Crown is decorated with 6,222 diamonds, 11 emeralds, 9 sapphires, 4 rubies, and pearls. The central diamond on the top of the crown, known as the “Star of Bethlehem,” weighs 50 carats and is said to have belonged to the Empress María Luisa of Spain.
The crown was designed to symbolize the preciousness of the divine personage that it is intended to adorn. It was also seen as a sign of devotion to the Infant Jesus and served as a reminder that the child Christ is the king of heaven and earth, and that all kings and rulers must submit to His authority.
Throughout history, the Crown of the Infant Jesus of Prague has been the subject of many legends, myths, and stories. One such story is about a band of thieves that attempted to steal the crown on the night of June 23, 1743. According to the story, the thieves broke into the chapel where the crown was kept, only to be scared away by a group of men who appeared to be armed with swords and dressed in medieval outfits. It is said that these mysterious men were none other than the heavenly Saints who protected the Holy Crown from the sacrilegious acts of the thieves.
Today, the Crown of the Infant Jesus of Prague is displayed in the Chapel of the Church of Our Lady Victorious, in the Czech Republic. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit the church year-round to venerate the Infant Jesus and the holy crown. The Crown remains as a testament to the love and devotion of Catholics to the Infant Jesus and as a symbol of the power and beauty of faith.
In conclusion, the Crown of the Infant Jesus of Prague is an object of spiritual and cultural significance, revered by millions of devout Christians around the world. The beautiful craftsmanship, rich history and legendary stories surround this sacred relic have made it a revered symbol of the divine personage that it represents. It continues to inspire faith and devotion in the hearts of believers, and as long as it remains, it will continue to be a testament to the enduring power of faith in a world that is often filled with uncertainty, unrest, and upheaval.