Holy Child of Atocha
In this article, we bring the history, secrets and the prayer to the Holy Child of Atocha for protection. He’s worshipped in many countries, where he’s attributed many miracles. Read on.
Who is he?
Holy Child of Atocha is a Catholic representation of Jesus Child and is very popular in Pre-hispanic cultures. Consequently, in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Philippines and south-western United States, especially Nuevo Mexico, he’s worshipped.
Prayer to Holy Child of Atocha: History
Santo Cristo de los Plateros Church, México
The devotion to the Holy Child of Atocha as is known today was born actually in America, in Mexico to be clear. In short, Plateros, a small village near the mines of Fresnillo, a church was built in honour of the Santo Cristo de los Plateros, a miraculous crucifix, starting the construction at the end of 1690.
Therefore, the Spanish took their devotion to the Virgin of Atocha until there, putting an altar with a beautiful Spanish image of Our Lady and her Divine Child, together, in the Plateros Church a result.
In short, the image disappeared and new ones that could be separated were sculpted soon. Consequently, the Child soon won fame by working miracles, he was worshipped alone and the devotion to him spread after that throughout Latin America and Philippines.
The most important thing is that according to the legend, only children could take food to the Christian prisoners in the Atocha city during the Muslin invasion.
As a result, childless men were less likely to survive. Consequently, women started to pray to the Virgin for Divine Intervention.
But finally, one day a child dressed as a pilgrim from Santiago road, with a hat, sandals, a cape, a walking stick, with a water garland, ears and a basket appeared.
Subsequently, he fed the prisoners until the guards discovered in astonishment that the food and the water didn’t run out.
As a result, the news of what happened spread throughout the community, reaching the faithful’s ears who after that, were very surprised when they discovered Jesus Child’s shoes covered with ground. These were changed several times, but they got back in a similar way; that is, they appeared dirty and in bad conditions.
Worshipped by criminals
Due to his history with prisoners, he has undoubtedly become the patron saint of criminals that are in prison, as in his image they see the figure of salvation in the cells.
Without a doubt, consequently, the image of the saint was trendy recently, as Ovidio Guzmán, son of the boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, was seen carrying a scapular with his image. In other words, the image increased his fame.
Image
On the other hand, the image has a little Spanish pilgrim; it is the image of Jesus Child, therefore, he is wearing a long dress with a cape that has a wide lace neck and cuffs with flounces.
However, the traditional image of a pilgrim with a cockle shell is in his cape. On the other hand, he also holds a small basket with his left hand and in the same direction, a vessel with water held by a walking stick that he has in his right hand.
Besides, the little Holy Child wears sandals fastened with silver buckles –sandals- and without a doubt, a big and flexible hat with a feather. Nevertheless, he’s known as a pilgrim, and generally he’s shown sitting in a small chair.
Prayer to the Holy Child of Atocha: What is he asked for?
In the prayer to the Holy Child of Atocha for protection, he is not only asked for his protection, but as the most important thing, for impossible causes.
Besides, he’s asked his intervention for the paths to be open. When we are bad; in other words, when desperation and doubt reign and it didn’t undoubtedly seem there wasn’t any escape.
Worshipping in several countries
Above all, in many countries in Latin America, the Holy Child of Atocha is considered to be as the patron of pilgrims, especially of those who cross borders.
On the other hand, in Mexico, for example, the temple in his honour is one of the three most visited by the faithful. Subsequently, the Basilica of Guadalupe and San Juan de los Lagos Cathedral.
The Holy Child of Atocha in Cuban santeria
However, in santeria the Holy Child of Atocha or with San Antonio of Padua; to be clear, he is named Elegguá, who is one of the deities of Yoruba religion.
Consequently, Elegguá is the owner of paths and destiny. In addition, he is the one who opens or closes the path to happiness; he’s very mischievous and his name means “the prince messenger”.
Offerings and dances
On the other hand, Elegguá is offered fish and smoked jutía, toasted corn, and coconut, but also corojo fat, eau-de-vie, tobacco, and candies of any kind.
Besides, his elekes have alternated red and black beads. Consequently, billy goats, roosters, chickens, and jutías as well are sacrificed for him. Therefore, and in occasions when necessary– without a doubt, other animals that entail more complex ceremonials; in other words, that are more elaborated.
Prayer to the Holy Child of Atocha
Clement and kind Infant of Atocha,
I turn to you to tell you how much I love and need you,
I want you to turn your merciful eyes towards me
and see the desperation and affliction that overwhelms me,
I have done everything that is in my reach
But my problems are serious and I haven’t found the solution,
You, who are so miraculous, do not move away from me:
I ardently ask you to send me your presence,
I ask you urgent comfort and help.
Very wise and Holy Child of Atocha,
patron of all men,
refuge of the helpless,
and Divine healer of any illness.
Very mighty Holy Child: I greet you, I praise you on this day and I offer you these prayers:
(say three Our Fathers, say three Hail Marys and three Glorias)
I
As a memory of the journey you made
embodied in the very pure and immaculate entrails
of your sweet and very kind Mother,
from the Holy City of Jerusalem until Bethlehem.
II
For the faith that I have in you,
Listen to my prayers,
for the trust I put in you,
grant me what I humbly ask for:
(ask what you want to achieve)
III
I, who I love you above all things,
I want to praise you non-stop,
along with the choruses of Cherubs and Seraphs,
decorated with perfect wisdom.
IV
I hope, beautiful Holy Child of Atocha,
a happy answer to my plea.
V
I know that you will not cause me grief,
and that you will also grant me a good death,
so I can be with you in the Bethlehem of Gloria. Amen.
In short, we undoubtedly hope it has been to your liking and therefore we respect this so miraculous image that, without a doubt, is worshipped in so many countries.
