In my Catholic family the prayer to Divino Niño Jesús holds special significance. In 1995 my mother left our small town of Las Guacamayas in Michoacan. Las Guacamayas is located on the outskirts of Lazaro Cardenas, which is one of Mexico’s largest seaports. My mother’s friend was going to cross the border, and at the last minute my mother’s friend backed out. Since the coyote was already paid for, my mother’s friend asked my mother to taker her place. There was not enough time to think things through, and my mother left my sister and I in the care of my Godmother. This was an opportunity she could not pass up, as my mother was quite poor. My mother came to the United States on a whim with roughly $20 dollars and a prayer card. The prayer card to the Holy Child asks for protection, guidance, and comfort. Within 48 hours she had found an underpaid, under-the-table job as a florist, and when she received her first paycheck she used most of it to pay a coyote to smuggle my sister and I across the Mexican-American border. As my sister and I made our journey, my mother lit Mexican votive candles with the design of el Divino Niño Jesús, San Judas, and la Virgen María praying for our safe crossing. On April 1st, 1995 my sister and I entered into the United States through Douglas.

Divine Child Jesus

In my difficulties, help me.

From enemies of my soul, save me.

In my errors, enlighten me.

In my doubts and pains, comfort me.

In my solitude, be with me.

In my diseases, invigorate me

When others despise me, encourage me.

In temptations, defend me.

In difficult hours, strengthen me.

With your paternal heart, love me.

And, into your arms, when I die, receive me.

Amen.