I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for sending me relief from my painful arthritis right in time, when I needed. So I could take this important ride that we had dreamt about for months. I asked for that with all my heart, and the Virgin granted my wish. We had a marvelous day. I was so happy to move again and to do sports. This favor was so special for me.

Mrs. Bone
Mexico City — June 22, 2003

Virgin of Ocotlan, I dedicate this retablo to you in order to tell everybody about your favor. I was hauling a fighting bull down to the Huamantlada. Suddenly it got rebel and hit me with his corn. I was scared that I might have gangrene in my leg. I entrusted myself to you and now I thank you for my recovery.

Pancho M.
Tlaxcala, 2005

Huamantlada is a festive running of the bulls held in the town of Huamantla.

I, Vicente from the José López Portillo neighborhood, lost my job. I had no education, so I decided to pursue the american dream and went as illegal immigrant to USA. I heard a lot about it from my neighbors. During the river-crossing my two guides, whom I had payed, left me to the mercy of fate. In a danger moment when I almost got caught, I prayed to the Our Lady of all Mexicans. She helped me and I arrived to USA. I promised her a retablo. After many troubles, things were getting better. Now I’m coming back home and I keep my promise.

Mexico, 1990

Tired from constant abuses and humiliation from the owners of the weaving factories in Rio Blanco, who, felt protected by the regime of don Porfirio Diaz, had forced us to slave labour for a scanty pittance, we went on strike for our rights to dignity and justice. Not far away from the factory, we were caught and repressed. They started to chase and catch us. On that tragic day, January 7, 1907, hundreds of our workers companions, with the wives and the children, were murdered on the streets of Orisaba, Veracruz, by the three cavalry battalions commanded by the general Rosalio Martinez. I give thanks to the Lord of Sacromonte because I managed to escape and hide myself in Amecameca, Puebla, from where I thank you now.

1910

Saint Sebastian is praying for our sins.

Lord of Chalma, I thank you for saving my son from vice. He was lost and stopped working. It got so bad, he fell seriously ill. He swore to stop drinking for 10 years. Five years have already passed, and I bring you this retablo, as I do every year, thanking you for his willpower.

Modesta G.

I give thanks to the Lord of Hospital from Salamanca for the miracle of saving me from death in Celaya, April 1915. When we defeated Pancho Villa and his troops, the general Alvaro Obregon had his arm blown off by a grenade. And I was behind him. Realizing what happened, I ordered this retablo.

San Sebastian, we dedicate this to you because one year ago we met each other on a marvelous gay-lesbian manifestation. We have been a couple ever since. We live for each other, without prejudice. We are for this Coexistence (Law), because to be a homosexual is not a crime, but the discrimination is.

Pancho & Tomy
Mexico City, 2007–2008

Sacred Heart, thank you for giving me the opportunity to love and be loved. This love is forbidden, but it made me feel everything I had desired. I know it’s a sin, but nobody’s gonna deprive me of this pleasure. I repent of nothing, and I’m never leave him.

Paloma
Colonia Roma, Mexico City
February, 2006

Earthquake, 1985

Virgin of Guadalupe, I’m going to thank you because you sent me Emilio, a man, who fell in love with me, knowing that I was a prostitute. I also fell in love with him. He proposed me and took me out of this sad life. I’m verry happy with him. Bless our marriage!

Lupe Chavez
Peralvillo, Mexico City
December 12, 1970

Yolanda gives thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe for finding a job as a prostitute here, in La Merced, Mexico. Look after me, so I could send some money to my parents in Pachuca, Hidalgo.

September 12, 1980