About Church of Our Lady Victorious
This Baroque church was built by German Lutherans, and dedicated to Holy Trinity. It was probably designed around 1611, by royal architect, Giovanni Maria Filippi. He was inspired by works of another royal artist, Josef Heintz. After the triumph of Counter-Reformation, Ferdinand II donated this church to the Order of the Carmelites, in 1624. They erected a monastery, and dedicated the church to Virgin Mary of Victory. In 1784, under Joseph II, it belonged to Knights of Malta, but later it was given to the Carmelites again.
When to visit Church of Our Lady Victorious
Church of Our Lady Victorious is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 7 PM. You can visit it on Sundays, between 8:30 AM and 8 PM. The Church is located in Mala Strana, a picturesque area, great for walking. Charles Bridge, Kafka Museum and Petrin Hill are in the vicinity.
Why to visit Church of Our Lady Victorious
Church of Our Lady Victorious is famous throughout Catholic countries because of its miraculous statue of baby Jesus. It is made of wax, and it stands on an altar in the right wing of the church. The statue is known as “Bambino di Praga”, or “the Holy Child of Prague”. It came to Prague as an idolized relic from Spain. Polyxena of Lobkowicz gave it to the order in 1628.
The figure is 45cm high. It represents the child of 4-5 years, which blesses with its right hand, while in the left it holds a cross. The most important thing about this phenomenal statue is that it changes its clothes. Like a mother who dresses her child, Carmelite Sisters dress the baby Jesus. It has about 46 different costumes, which are changed about ten times a year, depending of the season.
The Sisters dress infant Jesus in layers, and every robe has a symbolical meaning. Green is his every day color, but he also wears white, purple and red. On special days and celebrations he wears blue, gold and pink. These costumes are very decorative and elegant. Moreover, there’s a small museum which displays Bambino’s wonderful clothing, along with various religious objects.
Significance of Church of Our Lady Victorious
Church of Our Lady Victorious is a little, but richly decorated church. It is especially venerated during Christmas holidays, and mostly visited by pilgrims. The Church and its statue became legendary because of many miracles attributed to the Holy Child. It is particularly worshiped in Italy, Spain, Latin America and Philippines.