Dominican Friars
P. O. Box 1202
5 Hillhouse Avenue
New Haven, CT 06505
(203) 562-9326
shrine@stmarys-priory.com
http://www.stmarys-priory.com/shrine.htm
Reverend Albert A. Caprio, O.P., Director
frcaprioop@snet.net
History of the Infant of Prague
The origin of the miraculous statue of the Infant of Prague is shrouded in legend. It is known, however, that it was brought from Spain to Prague in the 16th century and enshrined there in Our Lady of Victory Church in 1628. Following a destructive invasion of the city and the church by the Turks, Father Cyril, one of the shrine’s friars, was spoken to by the infant Jesus who encouraged him to repair the broken hands of this statue, promising “The more you honor me, the more I will bless you.” Here at the Dominican Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, we continue to honor Him. We bring before Him for blessing all who are in need. We celebrate Mass every day at noon for the intentions of those who write us. Here at the Shrine we also remember those who have no one to help them and who share in His infancy – the unborn victims of abortion, the battered and unloved, the orphaned and the undernourished children of the world.
Novenas
The Novena consists of prayers or spiritual exercises for nine consecutive days. The great value of a Novena is based on the revealed fact that prayer is both necessary and effective. The more we pray, the better off we are. Experience attests to the fact that we can get ourselves to pray more faithfully when we set a definite time and occasion for prayer. The first Novena was made by the Apostles as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit of Pentecost. There have been countless graces and favors bestowed on the faithful who have made novenas to Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints. Our Lord chooses to favor those who commit themselves to fervent and persevering prayer.
The Dominican Friars conduct six Solemn Novenas each year at the Shrine:
January 25 – February 3rd: In Honor of the Infant of Prague
May 5 – 13: In Honor of Our Lady of Fatima
June 4 – 12: In Honor of St. Anthony
July 16 – 24: In Honor of Thérèse
September 15-23: In Honor of St. Pio
October 20 – 28: In Honor of St. Jude
Also, the following Novena of Masses will be offered:
April 4 – 12: Easter
May 10 – 18: Mother’s Day
June 20 – 28: Father’s Day
Month of November: All Souls Remembrance
December 25 – Jan 2: Christmas