Divino Nino
Baby Jesus
Patron of Colombia, Invoked for Miracles & Favors to all with Faith & Loving Commitment to the Poor
In 1914, an Italian Priest of the Salesian Order travelled to Colombia. His name was Father John Rizzo and he found himself in Bogata, Colombia, where he was instructed by his Superior to have a Church built in one the poorest communities, Baranquilla. His Superior instructed Fr. Rizzo to go out and raise money by asking poor citizens to donate to the cause. His efforts failed, due to the fact that the townspeople were so poor. Yet, the Superior continued to send him out to beg for funds. Fr. Rizzo went to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, kneeled, and prayed for Her Intercession. Mary held the Infant Jesus in her arms in the statue. His prayers were not answered and Fr. Rizzo began praying to Divino Nino, the Infant Jesus with outstretched arms, asking him for courage to beg. While in Bogata one day, Fr. Rizzo entered an artist’s shop and discovered a statue of Divino Nino, except he was already on the cross of his crucifixion. Fr. Rizzo commented that Divino should not yet be on the cross and artist removed the cross. Fr. Rizzo then had the artist write “Yo Reinare” ( I Will Reign ) at the foot of the statue. Many believe Divino Nino is sayng “Take Me With You. I want to Accompany You!” and that is precisely what he did to help Fr. Rizzo gather the needed money to build the Basilica. © 2016