Discussion and Luncheon location:            
Embassy of the Czech Republic       
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008      

RSVP for the luncheon by January 9: czech_events@yahoo.com | 202/274-9105

Biography:
Dr. Vojtěch Eliáš
President of Caritas Czech Republic

Dr. Vojtěch Eliáš (*1967) is a Czech Catholic priest, the bishop's vicar, president of Caritas Czech Republic and professor at Charles University in Prague. His grandfather, Prof. Jiří Malášek, was initially sentenced to death for his pro-Catholic stance, but received the sentence of life in prison. After sixteen years, he was released from prison and emigrated to West Germany. Dr. Eliáš’ paternal grandfather Vladimír Eliáš was a war hero. His father, Dr. Jaroslav Eliáš, greatly contributed to the development of Czech spiritual music.

Vojtěch Eliáš studied at the St. Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology, the Catholic Theological Faculty in Prague, and the University Pontificia Salesiana in Rome. In 1991, he was ordained a Catholic priest. He then worked as a parish administrator in Příbram, Dobříš and Hostivice, where he founded a center for drug prevention. Since 2000, he has become an administrator of the parish of St. Ludmila in Prague. He lectured on biblical sciences and pedagogy at the Charles University in Prague and the Archbishop's Grammar School in Prague. In 2010, he became president of the Czech catholic charity organization – Caritas Czech Republic.

January 13, 2013 at 10 am
Celebrate Mass with Monsignor Walter R. Rossi and co-celebrant Father Vojtěch Eliáš, in honor of the Infant Jesus of Prague in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Location: 400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast, Washington, DC  

Infant Jesus of Prague:
The Infant Jesus of Prague (Pražské Jezulátko) is a 16th century statue located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague. The wooden statue originated in Spain and, in 1556, was brought to Prague and donated by Polyxena of Lobkowicz to the Discalced Carmelites in 1628. During turbulent times, the statue was damaged and later found by Father Cyril in 1637. To his sorrow, the Infant Jesus’ hands were broken off. At that moment, he received a message saying: “Have mercy on me and I will have mercy on you. Give me hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor me, the more I will bless you.” Miraculous healings were attributed to him, as was the protection of Prague. Today it is one of the most famous and revered images of Christ. www.pragjesu.info