Santo Nino Cautivo,
release those held unjustly
and unite those families who are separated.
On the 16th of every month, some Carmelite monasteries and other people devoted to the Infant Jesus, begin a novena in honor of the Holy Childhood of Jesus. It is a devotion similar to what many do for their annual Christmas novena.
This month I intend to pray for those children kept in detention centers, separated from their parents who are incarcerated, as they attempt to enter the United States. The Bishops of the United States have condemned this treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers.
I will honor the Infant Jesus in this novena with the titles of Santo Nino Cautivo and Santo Nino Atocha.
Traditionally, the Santo Nino Cautivo has been petitioned by those seeking release from some sort of impediment, restriction, or trap, especially financial problems or drug addiction, alcoholism. Many pray for the release of a friend or family member who may have been abducted and held for ransom, or imprisoned unjustly. Santo Nino Atocha is also a friend of those imprisoned and many stories of him visiting and consoling prisoners seems to me an important reason to implore his mercy for those who are detained by ICE.
Santo Nino Atocha,
have mercy upon us.
Visit those children who
are alone and frightened,
and unite them with their families.
