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Santo Niño de Atocha Devotion to the Santo Niño de Atocha began in Spain around the 13th century. The earliest stories tell of a child, dressed like a pilgrim, who brought food and water to Christian captives held by the Moors in the prisons of Atocha. Only the little child was allowed passage. The prisoners were fed, yet his basket of food and his gourd of water remained full. This miracle convinced the people that the child Jesus had come to their rescue. The original statue of the Holy Child of Atocha, imported from Spain, now resides in the pueblo of Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. Santo Niño is the patron saint of miners and those unjustly imprisoned. He also protects travelers and rescues people in danger. His feast day is December 25. |
