Saint Joseph of Cupertino, I’m very thankful for the opportunity to study in the great Notre Dame University, and I thank for your help with my exams.

Nat Landau, South Bend, Indiana, 2020

Notes:
Boy’s parents — Christopher and Caroline Landau.

I dedicate this exvoto to Saint Jude Thaddeus for the fabulous work and life of Diego Rivera, artist. His murals about Detroit Industry have been an inspiration for millions of aspiring artist, and they have been a pride of Detroit for almost 100 years.

Luis Romo, Mexico

We are infinitely thankful to Saint Roch, patron of epidemics, because finally the COVID-19 vaccine has been found. We are asking, with all our faith, to use it to end the pandemic and let all the people in the world—whatever their social or economic status—to get it.

2021

Francisco N. thanks Saint Patrick with this humble exvoto because his fetish for high-heeled shoes hasn’t been discovered by his family nor by his friends. He is a man esteemed in the society, and it would sadden him, if his secret was known. Also, he thanks for his big shoes collection that he has amassed in the last years.

The other night, I heard a lot of noice out of my garage. I got very scared that it might be a thief stealing my car that I’d just bought. I thank Saint Pancras for it was only my daughter making out with her boyfriend. I didn’t want them ruin my car, so I preferred to give them money to go to a hotel.

Horacio Lopez \ Yucatan, Mexico

I give infinite thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua for granting me with the miracle of finding my love. In my age, I was ready to remain a old maid, but then one day Vicente came to my life. Now, when we are married, I’m very happy and I understood that love knows no age.

Leonor Rosales ~ San Luis Potosi, Mexico

I went fishing in my boat like every other day, and, when I threw my net, suddenly a huge shark appeared and attacked me. I fervently asked San Charbel to help me and to give me the strength to defend myself, and thanks to his divine help I came out safe and sound from that great danger, because the shark went away after I wounded it.

Pedro Gonzalez / Gulf of California, Mexico

With this humble retablo, I wholeheartedly ask Saint James the Apostle not to let Don Goyo to erupt. It’s been very active in the last months. Although we are used to its flames and ashes, we are afraid it wakes up because my family and I, we live very close to it.

San Nicolas de los Ranchos, Puebla

I dedicate the present exvoto to Saint Barbara for the talent of the great painter Vincent van Gogh, master of post-impressionism. I admire his brilliant works, especially the painting “Sunflowers”.

Jualian Bueno, Mexico

I’m from North America. When I started studying the Mexican culture, I fell in love with its legends, but my favorite one is the Legend of Volcanoes. I dedicate this retablo to the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe in gratitude for I traveled to the Mexico Valley and saw myself the greatness of Popocatepetl y del Iztaccihuatl.

Mexico

Miss Yolanda Reinoso, a skirmish rider from the Margaritas ranch, dedicates this humble retablo to the Virgin of Guadalupe for the received favor of being able to do what she loves the most and what fills her with pride—the art of charro riding.

Queretaro, Mexico

With this humble retablo, I thank Saint Jude Thaddeus because I was able to pass on this beautiful tradition of being a flyer to my son Venustiano. It was my honor to perform this beautiful dance since my young years. Now it’s he who is in charge of keeping our family tradition.

Isidoro Rosas ~ Papantla, Veracruz

I thank Saint Francis of Assisi for the tv-show “Ultraman”. When I was young, this program inspired me to be positive and to fight for what is right, even against overwhelming opponents.

Jaime Rodriguez, Mexico City