as punishment, the boy was beaten and condemned to be buried in an anthill. in the morning, the rancher was shocked to find the boy free from the anthill, unharmed and sat upon the missing horse, with the virgin mary stood beside him. a miracle had occurred, and the boy was turned into an angel before the eyes of all who stood witness.

the negrinho is now known as the protector of those who have lost something. upon the disappearance of an item, the faithful simply ask the boy angel for his help, and having found it, light a candle or purchase a flowering plant in offering.