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The Niño de
Atocha Legend of Mexico
The Spanish invaded the Aztec Empire and renamed it
New Spain. This New Spain became known as Mexico. While
one of the Spanish generals was exploring the new land,
he and his men discovered an area bordering a lake where
an ash tree stood. He named the site Fresnillo. Because
this area was covered in grass, they also named the
land Zacatecas.
Discovery of the Silver Image of Jesus
Christ
A town was build at Fresnillo and during the construction;
miners saw a mule with a large, wooden box tied to its
back. The miners removed the box, opened it, and discovered
the silver figure of the crucified Jesus inside. The
silver Jesus
was not nailed to a cross. In a valley near the spot
where the silver figure of Jesus was found, the general
built a church. The Spanish general named the city,
Plateros. He had the statue of Our Lady of Atocha sent
from Spain to the church in Plateros.
Our Lady of Atocha Is Sent to Mexico
After the image of Our Lady of Atocha was placed in
the church, a mine in Fresnillo exploded and many miners
were trapped underground. The wives of the trapped miners
went to the church to pray to Our Lady of Atocha. At
that time, a child, dressed as a pilgrim, went into
the mine; bringing food and water to the miners. Niño
de Atocha also led the miners out of the mine.
Saint Niño de Atocha - Protector of Miners and
Prisoners
After the disaster in Fresnillo, each time there was
a problem at the mine, the statue of Santo Niño
de Atocha became dirty and His clothes tattered. The
child Niño de Atocha was placed in a protective
box made of glass for all to see.
Niño de Atocha Novena
Many Christians of Spain, Mexico, and southwestern United
States offer homage and novenas to El Niño de
Atocha. Wearing Niño de Atocha jewelry is very
popular when saying the novenas, reminding Christians
of the help and guidance of both Our Lady of Atocha
and Niño de Atocha.
The Niño de Atocha novena consists of saying
nine days of prayer at any time of the day. During the
nine days of prayer, charitable acts should be performed,
especially for children and personal petitions can be
made.
Protection for Prisoners
Giving a Niña
de Atocha pendant to a prisoner offers him or her
ray of hope. Santo Niño de Atocha will protect
the imprisoned, keeping them free from harm and helping
them return to their families safely.
Santo Nino de Atocha Prayer
Cast Thy merciful look upon my troubled heart, so
inclined to pity. Be softened by my prayer, and grant
me these favors which I ardently implore of Thee (Mention
requests).
Take from me all affliction and despair, all trials
and misfortunes with which I am laden. For Thy Sacred
Infancy’s sake, send me now the consolation and
aid and grace that I may praise Thee with the Father
and Holy Ghost, forever and ever.Amen
O Divine Child of Atocha, hear my prayer and grant
my petition.
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