Basilica of Infant Jesus of Prague Arenzano, Italy
Introduction
The Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague is a Catholic place of worship located in Arenzano, a municipality within the metropolitan city of Genoa, Italy. Positioned on a hill with a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains, the sanctuary is not far from the town center, offering visitors a tranquil and scenic atmosphere. It is part of the parish of Saints Nazario and Celso, within the vicariate of Pra’-Voltri-Arenzano, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Genoa. The sanctuary serves as a significant spiritual site for both locals and pilgrims, dedicated to the veneration of the Infant Jesus of Prague.
History of the Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague
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.
Architecture of Basilica of Infant Jesus of Prague Arenzano, Italy
Architect : Giuseppe Castellucci
Architectural Style : Renaissance Revival architecture
External Structure
The Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague is designed in the shape of a Latin cross, which is typical of many Catholic churches. The façade of the church is adorned with polychrome marbles, adding vibrant color and beauty to the structure. A prominent feature of the exterior is the large rose window, which serves as a striking visual centerpiece, enhancing the church’s architectural grandeur. In the square in front of the sanctuary, a tall marble column stands, crowned with a golden statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. This statue is a significant symbol of the sanctuary, commemorating the solemn coronation of the wooden statue in 1924, a momentous event in the church’s history. The statue currently resides inside the sanctuary, where it continues to be a focal point for devotion and prayer.
Interior of the Sanctuary
Inside the sanctuary, the church is decorated with numerous ceramics by Angelo Biancini, which contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the space. The walls and various parts of the church are also adorned with a significant number of votive offerings, given by the faithful in gratitude for blessings or graces they have received through the intercession of the Infant Jesus. Among the sculptures displayed within the church are notable works by Guido Galletti, including statues of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary. One of the most cherished attractions is a nativity scene, crafted in majolica by Eliseo Salino. This nativity scene is situated in a cave beneath the sanctuary and portrays various key moments in the life of Mary and Jesus. Notable scenes include the Marriage of Mary and Joseph, the Meeting with Saint Elizabeth, and significant events from Jesus’ childhood, with a special focus on His birth.
The Organ and Artwork in the Apse
The church houses a Mascioni opus 621 pipe organ, a remarkable musical instrument that was built in 1947. The organ was expanded in 1966 by the same company and again in 2016 by the Marin Brothers. It features electric transmission and consists of 47 registers, arranged over three manuals and a pedal, and a total of 2,803 pipes. The organ’s rich sound complements the church’s liturgical services and adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the sanctuary.
In the apse area, above the organ, there is a painting by the Vado-based artist Renzo Bonfiglio (1897–1985), created in 1965. The painting, titled “Humanity in need at the feet of the Baby Jesus”, depicts a crowd of individuals in need of divine grace, gathered at the feet of the Infant Jesus. Among the figures depicted in the crowd are prominent figures such as Pope John XXIII, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the actor Gino Cervi, and Fra Tarcisio, a monk who did much for the sanctuary. This painting adds a deeply human element to the spiritual setting, emphasizing the church’s role in offering solace and comfort to all who seek it.
Feast Day
Feast Day: 14 January
The feast day of the Basilica of the Infant Jesus of Prague in Arenzano, Italy, is celebrated on the Sunday closest to the feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague, which falls on January 14th each year. This is when special celebrations and religious services are held to honor the Infant Jesus at the sanctuary.
Church Mass Timing
Sunday : 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 04:00 PM, 05:30 PM
Church Opening Time:
Monday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Tuesday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Wednesday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Thursday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Friday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Saturday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Sunday : 7:15 am – 12:00 pm., 2:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Contact Info
Address :
Salita S. Bambino, 1, 16011 Arenzano GE, Italy.
Phone : +390109127386
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Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Basilica of Infant Jesus of Prague Arenzano, Italy, to Genova Arpt (GOA), Via Pionieri e Aviatori d’Italia, distance between 32 min (16.7 km) via SS 1.
Railway
Basilica of Infant Jesus of Prague Arenzano, Italy, to Funicolare Zecca-Righi 16124 Genova, GE, Italy distance between 48 min (26.2 km) via SS 1.