One night I was woken up by a strange noise in a living room. I went to see what it was and, to my fear, noticed a burglar who got into he house through the window. I hid myself behind the armchair and asked the Lord of the Wonders for his divine help. Suddenly it occurred to me to bark like an angry dog. The burger got scared and ran away without taking anything. I thank for that, with all my faith.

Gaudencio Tepox
Puebla, 1980

I bring this retablo to the Lord of Chalma for the miracle that my boyfriend stopped drinking and fighting, to my relief and happiness.

My friend Eladio and I are known as real men and tough guys, so everybody in the town respects us. We give thanks to Saint Michael the Archangel with this retablo because no one knows about our big secret that we go to the mountains to be free with our love affair.

Zacarias N.

There was a girl whom I liked very much. But I was scared to tell her. So one night I went to the bar to drink some tequila in order to have courage. Then I went to sing her a serenade, but I was so drunk I got a wrong balcony and sang it to the old maiden of the town. I give thanks to Saint Rita because neither she nor her family recognized me, otherwise, if I had kept singing, they would’ve married me. I promise to be brave in declaring my love feelings to a woman.

Serapio Herrada
Tehuacan, Puebla

My class had low scores because they were very rebellious and didn’t pay attention when I explained the material. Then I got an idea to dress up more provocatively and use my woman features. I give thanks to Saint Patrick for this idea because my class has improved their grades and I no longer have the High School Principal’s pressure on me.

Miss Nadia
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Abel C. dedicates this humble retablo to Saint George thanking him for his wife hasn’t found out that he has a habit of spending a lot of money on private dances from sexy strippers at “Table Dance” on weekends. He promises to never forget about his obligations as husband, but will go on satisfying his personal whims, even secretly.

Tijuana, Baja California

I thank the Holy Child Doctor of the Sick for granting me with health so I could back to boxing. A Canadian boxer knocked me down very strongly and I was told I wouldn’t be able to box ever again. And then we met at the ring once again, only this time I won the championship. I dedicate the present ex-voto with all my heart.

Juan “The Falcon” Mendez
Toluca, 1977

Thank you Saint Cecily because I have the gift of singing. Since I was a little girl, everyone complimented my voice. Now I dedicate myself to singing, receiving applause and recognition of the people who come to listen me every week-ned at the town square. I dedicate this humble retablo for that.

Catalina Flores “The Nightingale”
Zacatecas, Mexico

I was dreaming to meet my love but I was afraid I’d never find it for being a transsexual woman. So then I began to look for a boyfriend on the internet, and there I met a wonderful man whom I fell in love with. I thank Saint Pancras for when we met in person and I revealed my secret to him he accepted me saying that it’s my heart and my feelings what the most important for him.

Nayeli C.
Culiacan, Sinaloa

I give you infinite thanks, Saint James the Apostle, for having a natural beauty and the body. Thanks to my look I have a lot of job as an art model for artists and photographers, and, with the money they pay me, I can cover my university studies.

Ana M.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Delfina Hernandez dedicates this humble retablo to Saint Barbara in sign of gratitude for her master pays her very good for her discretion so she won’t tell her wife about his infidelity, when he brings home young girls taking advantage of his wife’s absence. With this extra-money, she could help more to her family which stays back in her village.

Guadalajara, Jalisco

The night of November 2, I was taking care of some tomes at the cemetery. I received a great shock when I saw with my own eyes a dead man who opened his casket and was ready to get out of it. I prayed the Lord of Chalma for protection and could escape safely. Next time I’m offered a job at the cemetery, I’d rather refuse.

Aquilino Morales
Guanajuato, 1947

The foreman Herminio Castillo’s team thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe for helping them to get till the Holy Cross Day without mishaps and to celebrate it with big work.

Tlaxcala, 1969