A blessed statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague, known in Ireland as the Child of Prague, was presented by a Prague City Council delegation and the Czech Ambassador to Ireland to Raymond Browne, Bishop of Kerry, during the traditional pilgrimage Mass in Ballyheigue on September 8.
The presentation marked Ireland’s EU Presidency and Kerry’s partnership with the Czech Republic. The unique statuette, created by leading Czech artists and craftsmen, represented Czech culture, tradition and creativity while symbolising the friendship and shared history between the two countries.
Before travelling to Ireland, the statue was solemnly blessed on August 31 by the Archbishop of Prague, Mons. Stanislav Přibyl, in the presence of the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, and the project’s initiator, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland, Pavel Vošalík.
“Sending the Child of Prague to 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,” said Mayor Svoboda.
Archbishop Přibyl added that 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,” he said.
Engraved on the base of the statue was the message: ‘Love and Blessings from Prague. 2026.’ Ambassador Vošalík said the choice of Kerry was particularly significant as it carries a symbolic significance.
“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,” he said.
The four-century-old Infant Jesus of Prague was one of the Czech capital’s most important religious symbols. Housed in the Discalced Carmelite Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, the statue attracted pilgrims from around the world.
The ceremonial robe created for the Kerry presentation was designed by prominent Czech fashion designer Zuzana Kubíčková. Its deep green velvet reflected Ireland and its national identity, while a grapevine motif paid tribute to both Christian symbolism and Prague’s long tradition of vineyards.
The handmade crown and orb were created by Czech glass and jewellery makers in the Crystal Valley, with the crown inspired by the historic St Wenceslas Crown, one of the Czech Crown Jewels.