# The chaplet of the holy infant
*2008-01-11*

> Bill Young introduces and leads the listeners through the Chaplet of the Holy Infant, a devotion revealed to Blessed Margaret of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

## The origin of the devotion

Today's prayer is the Chaplet of the Holy Infant. This devotion was revealed to Blessed Margaret of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, who was honorably devoted to the Child Jesus. One day, she received a special grace from the Divine Child, who appeared to her showing her the chaplet shining with heavenly light. He told her to spread this devotion among holy souls, assuring them that He would give special graces of innocence and purity to those who keep this little chaplet with them and recite it with devotion in memory of His holy infancy.

## Structure of the chaplet

The chaplet consists of three Our Fathers in honor of the three members of the Holy Family, twelve Hail Marys in memory of the twelve years of the Divine Savior's childhood, an introductory prayer, and a final prayer.

## The first four years

We begin by uniting our hearts to the devoted shepherds who adored the Child in the manger and the angels who glorified Him in heaven. We offer the adoration of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Heart of St. Joseph. 

In honor of the Emperor Jesus, we pray the first Our Father. Remembering that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, we pray four Hail Marys in memory of the first four years of the childhood of Jesus.

## The middle four years

In honor of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, we pray the second Our Father. Again, remembering that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, we pray four Hail Marys in memory of the next four years of the childhood of Jesus.

## The final four years

In honor of St. Joseph, we pray the third Our Father. In memory of the last four years of the childhood of Jesus, we pray the final four Hail Marys.

## Concluding prayer

We conclude by reflecting on the events of Christ's early life: His conception by the Holy Spirit, His birth to the Blessed Virgin Mary, His circumcision, His presentation in the temple, His journey to Egypt, His return to Nazareth, and His appearance as a prodigy of wisdom among the doctors in Jerusalem. We ask for the grace to honor the mysteries of His holy infancy with great devotion, that we may obtain a humble heart and spirit to conform to Him in all ways.

*By meditating on the twelve years of Christ's childhood, we seek the graces of innocence, purity, and humility.*