Infant Jesus of Prague Heads to Ireland
31.08.2026 / 15:24
On 8 September 2026, a blessed statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague will be presented as a gift to County Kerry on the occasion of Ireland’s EU Presidency during which County Kerry has become a partner region of the Czech Republic. Unique artistic design of the gift was created by top Czech artists and craftsmen to represent Czech culture, traditions and creativity and to symbolize friendship and shared history of the two countries.
Pražské Jezulátko |
Before travelling to Ireland, the statue was solemnly blessed on 31 August by the Archbishop of Prague, Mons. Stanislav Přibyl in the presence of the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, and the project initiator, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland, Pavel Vošalík, a. o.
“Sending the Child of Prague to County Kerry reflects the warm friendship between Prague and Ireland, while marking our shared path within the EU. Twenty-two years ago, Ireland welcomed us as new EU members. Now, during its current EU Council Presidency, we return that warmth by gifting the Irish people one of our city’s most sacred and historic treasures,” emphasised the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda.
“For centuries, the Infant Jesus of Prague has brought together people across nations and generations. I am delighted that it will now serve as a symbol of friendship between the Czech Republic and Ireland. May it be a beacon of hope, peace and God’s love for everyone who encounters it,” said the Archbishop of Prague, Most Reverend Stanislav Přibyl.
The Infant Jesus of Prague, known in Ireland as The Child of Prague, will be personally accompanied to Ireland by Ambassador Pavel Vošalík. Together with Prague City Councillor Tomáš Slabihoudek, they will present it to Mons. Raymond Anthony Browne, Bishop of Kerry during the traditional pilgrimage Mass in Ballyheigue. Engraved on the base is the message: “Love and Blessings from Prague. 2026.”
“The choice of County Kerry carries a symbolic significance for us. In 2004, when the Czech Republic joined the European Union during Ireland’s previous Presidency, the town of Killarney served as our welcoming partner city,” says Pavel Vošalík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland.
The four-century-old statue is one of the most important spiritual symbols of the Czech capital. Housed in the Discalced Carmelite Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague’s Lesser Town, it attracts pilgrims from around the world and remains one of the Czech Republic’s best-known religious symbols abroad. The Infant Jesus of Prague has long been associated with numerous miracles and answered prayers and is widely known as a protector of families.