Filipino version of Pope Benedict's prayer on display at Sto. Niño church in Prague

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Filipino pilgrims to Prague’s famed Santo Niño Church can now recite late Pope Benedict XVI’s prayer from his 2009 visit to the shrine, with a Tagalog version displayed alongside translations in other languages.

Earlier this month, the inscription was installed on the balustrade on the shrine’s right altar, which prominently shows the centuries-old image of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

This Filipino translation of Pope Benedict XIV’s prayer is the latest language displayed on the altar’s balustrade. It was added in June 2026, following efforts from the Czech Embassy in Manila, the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Pasay, and the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague. Photo: Andy Peñafuerte III

According to Czech Ambassador to Manila Karel Hejč, the Filipino translation was done by Brother Mark Brian B. Espino of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Pasay City.

The Czech Embassy to the Philippines coordinated with the parish, named after Saint John Nepomucene, the patron saint of the Czechs, to assist with a faithful translation.

“Since the parish has long-standing relations with the Embassy, Brother Mark Brian B. Espino of the parish very kindly translated the prayer into Filipino and made sure that it has been adapted to best reflect Filipino terminology, the content and meaning of the prayer, and the practice of local worship,” Ambassador Hejč said.

Religious diplomacy

The pilgrimage site, officially called the Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague, is frequented by Filipino and international devotees.

On the right side of the altar is a photo of Pope Benedict XVI kneeling before the image of the Infant Jesus at the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague. During his apostolic visit to the Czech Republic on September 26-28, 2009, the pope prayed to the Infant Jesus for children, including those who fall victim to abuse and violence. Photo: Andy Peñafuerte III

One of its prominent visitors was Pope Benedict XVI, who venerated the image of Santo Niño de Praga on his apostolic visit to the Czech Republic in September 2009.

The late Pope, in his speech, said the Infant Jesus “brings home to us God’s closeness and his love” and prayed that children, especially those who are victims of violence and abuse, “may always be accorded the respect and attention that are due to them”.

Pope Benedict XVI’s prayer was translated into 23 languages and uploaded to the shrine’s website. Only several versions have been displayed at the altar’s balustrade until the recent addition of a Filipino translation.

For Ambassador Hejč, the latest translation “is a must”, as the Santo Niño de Praga sees Filipino pilgrims almost every day.

“Religious diplomacy is probably not one of the traditional ones, but it certainly contributes significantly to understanding between people and between nations. And it makes us very happy that we could bring Santo Niño one step closer to Filipino pilgrims,” he added. — BAP, GMA News