The National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebrates 74th anniversary

The National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebrates 74th anniversary, new momentum of Eucharistic Revival

A spirit of prayer and thanksgiving filled the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague on Aug. 6, as parishioners and pilgrims commemorated the 74th anniversary of the shrine. 

Father Christopher Tran, rector of the shrine and pastor of Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. It was followed by a Holy Hour, Rosary and Divine Mercy prayers, Benediction, anointing with holy oils for healing and a talk by Father Tran about the importance of the Eucharistic revival in the hearts of the faithful. 

Father Tran explained the relationship between the Eucharist and the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague.

“The little Infant Jesus and the Eucharist are one. The Infant Jesus is very humble, awaiting our prayers, and Christ hidden in the Eucharist is also humbly waiting for us,” said Father Tran.

He invited everyone to visit the shrine for the daily Eucharist and Holy Hour, “Come to the Eucharistic Christ. If you love someone, you want to be with them. It is about your ‘being’ with Jesus, not about your ‘doing’ of the worldly tasks.” 

Eucharistic revival at the shrine has been the main mission of Father Tran since he started his pastoral assignment in Prague one month ago. 

The shrine was formally dedicated in 1949 by Bishop Eugene J. McGuinnes, bishop of then-Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and built under the auspices of Father George G. Johnson, pastor. Thousands of pilgrims from across Oklahoma and other states have been visiting the shrine annually to worship the Infant Jesus of Prague known for centuries for his miraculous healing power. 

Mary Ann and Roger Pritchett, faithful parishioners married for 65 years, have been living in Prague all their life. Roger Pritchett served as an altar boy at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church through his grade school, high school and college years. He vividly recalls the year when the shrine was built. 

“I remember very well when Father Johnson gave each one of us – kids then, one brick and had us lay it for the foundation of the current church and the shrine,” said Pritchett.

Speaking about the Infant Jesus of Prague, Mary Ann Pritchett stated, “The Infant has been helping us with our daily issues and has solved many of our family problems.” 

Roger confirmed with confidence, “When we trust in the Infant Jesus, he will help us on account of our faith in him.”

The couple appreciated the Holy Hour and the devotions to the Frist Fridays and First Saturdays adopted at the shrine by Father Tran. 

“I ask Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to give me the grace to pray better and to be a better Catholic,” said Mary Ann Pritchett, explaining the importance of religion in their family life. 

Roger Pritchett agreed, stating, “If I didn’t come to the Holy Hour, I know deep in my heart that I would be missing out on something very essential. I want to do what is right and important and that’s why I’m coming to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”

Debra and Ernesto Longoria, visitors from Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Harrah, shared their appreciation for multiple graces received from the Infant Jesus of Prague. 

“We have been coming here regularly for many years,” said Debra Longoria. 

With tears in her eyes, she shared her personal story of healing, “I had stage 4 cancer and treatment for the second time. I prayed a lot to Jesus. When my cancer disappeared completely after treatment, my oncologist was surprised and said that I was the only person she treated who survived. I have been cancer-free for two years now.” 

Ernesto Longoria added, “We will continue to visit with the Infant Jesus as long as we have family that needs the Lord’s help.” 

Father Tran concluded the anniversary celebrations with a missionary call to the faithful to be witnesses of the transforming power of the Eucharist in their lives.

“You have just received the Holy Communion. You are the Tabernacle of Christ … The message of the Eucharist does not end here, but it is a beginning of the journey … You are sent forth to put out into the deep and bring Jesus to those who don’t know him.” 

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.



Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and pilgrims with Fr. Christopher Tran. Photos Jad Ziolkowska/Sooner Catholic.