Child of Prague

Old Blackrock Railway Line Station House

On Saturday, we were at M & S’s wedding. The reception was in Longueville House and was celebrated well into the early hours of the morning.

On Friday night the bride was spotted returning into her family home, having placed the statue of the Child of Prague outdoors for the night. When this was mentioned it led to a discussion as to the tradition of the statue and hope for good weather. A number of variations were in the heads of various guests – is it better if the head is already broken off; does the statue just face outdoors or does it need to be outdoors.

It got me thinking as to how one generally just has bits of information on many topics. The internet has once again come to the rescue and increased that little bit of knowledge with regard to when the devotion began, when it came to Ireland and the different Irish variations pre-wedding; how the custom even got to James Bond; savage beheadings; and, that the original statue travelled from Spain to Bohemia in the sixteenth century.

I did take a photograph of the statue and prayer when in Limerick last month – but there is no mention of weather in the prayer. Another twist on the Irish fascination with the weather……

The weather on Saturday was great - just in case you are wondering of the success rate....

Limerick Dominican Church

PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE

  O MIRACULOUS INFANT JESUS! Prostrate before Thy sacred image, we beseech Thee to cast a merciful look on our troubled hearts. Let Thy tender heart so inclined to pity, be softened at our prayers, and grant us that grace for which we ardently implore Thee. Take from us all afflictions and despair, all trials and misfortunes with which we are laden. For Thy sacred infancy sake, hear our prayers and send us consolation and aid, that we may praise Thee, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen.