When I came to work to the Orozcos’ house, I had a lot of troubles with Rosa who was the former cook. She got very jealous because my dishes tasted better than hers. Then she started to spoil my food. I thank Saint Paschal Baylon because my masters noticed it and scolded her before committing an injustice to me. Finally, I was left in peace.

Filomena Ruiz \ Zacatlan, Puebla

My wife had declared that if I’d ever go to party with my colleagues again I’d be very sorry. But the other night I was invited to a party and I couldn’t refuse. I prayed a lot to Saint Charbel to protect me in his mercy. When I came home, the shrew was in deep sleep and didn’t noticed what time I returned. I bring this humble retablo thanking for such miracle.

Cirilo Peña \ Zacatecas, Mexico

Gabino Tinoco was suffering very much by seeing beatings his daughter-in-law was giving to his son. He implored Saint Jude to change his son’s life promising a retablo. As it has happened, he fulfils his promise.

Toluca, 1934

I got this great idea to propose to my Chabelita in a trajinera-boat at Xochimilco. I thought it would be very romantic. But then I got so nervous I slipped and I fell into the lake. I give infinite thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua because I didn’t lose the ring—it fell inside the boat—and, despite this embarrassing moment, my fiancée said “yes” and made me very happy.

Genaro Roldan, Mexico City

I thank Saint Jude Thaddeus for helping me to keep my great secret that in reality it’s my wife who is the boss in our house and I’m just a henpecked husband. If it became known, it would damage my tough image among the fans and I’d be a joke for my fellows wrestlers. That’s why I bring this humble retablo.

The wrestler Black Storm \ Mexico City

The other night my friend and I went to the bar to drink some tequilas. But we lost control, and after a while got so drunk and sentimental talking about our fails in love that when we realized what was going on we were pretty close to each another and ready to kiss. We thank Saint James the Apostle for we got our conscience back and didn’t do it. We remain being friends as usual.

Lucio & Ramiro ~ Jalisco, Mexico

When I was at my aunt and uncle’s house to eat the king cake, I bite a piece and felt a figurine in my mouth. I wanted to swallow it so that I don’t have to pay for tamales on the Candlemas, but I choked instead. I thank Saint Charbel because my uncle Pancho knew first aid and saved my life. I promise not to do such things and to pay for tamales when I get figurine in a cake.

Mexico

Mercedes Salazar wholeheartedly thanks Saint Christopher for the miracle that her husband Alberto came back from the United States to spend Christmas and New Year with her and their two little kids. He was gone for a whole year, and they couldn’t see him and missed him very much.

Puebla

I put too much liquor in my punch at the Christmas party in my neighborhood. Since I was getting tipsy, I came where doña Juanita was about to hit the piñata and she gave me such a tremendous blow in the head that I even saw stars. I give thanks to the Virgin of Juquila because nothing serious happened and I only got a lump. I promise not to drink so much on these December holidays.

Lucio Pacheco, Puebla

I very much love going to the wrestling. But the other night, after the performances, I decided to pass through a deserted alley. Suddenly a robber jumped on me and grabbed my bag. I thank Saint Rita of Cascia because my idol the Eagle Prince was passing by. He heard my screams and ran to help me. He caught the robber, and now I admire him even more.

Lolita Gallardo, Mexico City

I wanted to impress my neighbor whom I was attracted to. I climbed up a tree to save her kitten, totally forgetting that I have a fear of heights. I thank the Holy Child of Atocha because the firefighters arrived to bring me down, since I was so scared I couldn’t move. The cat meanwhile came down by itself giving me a great embarrassment in front of the people and the girl. I promise not to pretend to be brave anymore to avoid being a ridicule.

Benito Segura / Morelia, Michoacan

I give infinite thanks to Saint Anthony the Great, with this humble retablo, because I fulfilled my dream of opening my own hotel for stray and abandoned doggies and kitties. I’m filled with great satisfaction to help them to find new families where they receive love and care they deserve.

I was caught in the ocean by a terrible storm that destroyed my boat. I was left to drift alone in the open sea hoping for my luck. Several days passed, and I was very scared of dying. Then I entrusted myself, with all my faith and devotion, to Saint Peter so that he would save me. I thank because a fishing boat rescued me when I was about to be eaten by few sharks that stalked me. May you be blessed.

Leoncio Torres \ Baja California, Mexico