Basilica of Infant Jesus of Prague Arenzano, Italy

The Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague holds a significant place in Catholic history, particularly in Italy, as it was the first sanctuary dedicated to the Infant Jesus. The sanctuary was founded in 1905 by the Discalced Carmelites, a religious order that played a pivotal role in spreading the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague, following the miraculous events associated with this image. The original devotion began in Prague in 1628, where the first statue of the Infant Jesus was said to have been found, eventually inspiring the spread of the cult across the world.

The Early Origins and the Foundation of the Convent

Although the sanctuary was established in 1905, the idea of creating a convent in Arenzano dates back to the 17th century. The initial plan was to respond to the growing demand from pilgrims who needed a place of support and respite while traveling along the western coast of Italy, between Genoa and other sacred locations. It would take almost three centuries before a new convent building was actually constructed. In 1889, Father Leopoldo Beccaro successfully dedicated a new convent structure to Saint Teresa of Jesus. This convent was located in Arenzano, near the town of Genoa, and served as the base for the Discalced Carmelites.

Devotion to the Infant Jesus and Establishment of the Sanctuary

On September 25, 1900, Father Giovanni della Croce, the prior of the Discalced Carmelites in Arenzano, placed a small painting of the Infant Jesus of Prague under the statue of the Madonna del Carmine inside the church of the convent. This was the first step toward the establishment of the sanctuary. By 1902, the image of the Infant Jesus was replaced by a statue, which was generously donated by Marchioness Delfina Gavotti of Savona. This statue was blessed by Father Giovanni della Croce on June 2, 1902. This event marked the formal beginning of the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague at the convent.

The Confraternity and Construction of the Church

Between 1903 and 1904, Pope Pius X approved the establishment of the Confraternity of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. This confraternity worked tirelessly to spread devotion to the Infant Jesus throughout the community and helped raise funds for the construction of a new church. The construction work began in 1904, following the architectural design of engineer Camogli, who drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance style.The church was officially completed in 1908, and its inauguration marked a milestone in the development of the sanctuary.

The Coronation of the Statue and Title of Minor Basilica

On September 7, 1924, a momentous event took place when the statue of the Infant Jesus was solemnly crowned. The crown, which had been blessed by Pope Pius X, was placed on the statue by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, in accordance with a decree issued by the Vatican Chapter. Four years later, in 1928, the sanctuary was consecrated, and it was officially designated as a minor basilica by Monsignor Giacomo De Amicis, the auxiliary bishop of Genoa.

Expansion and Growth of the Sanctuary

As the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague grew, so did the number of pilgrims and visitors to the sanctuary. Recognizing the need for more space, the decision was made to expand the church in 1962. By 1966, the expansion project was completed, which included the addition of two transepts between the apse and the central nave. This expanded church was inaugurated in the presence of various civil and religious dignitaries, including Cardinal Josef Beran, the Archbishop of Prague, underscoring the international significance of the sanctuary.