My mom caught COVID-19, and I was very much worried because of her advanced age. With all my heart, I thank Our Mother Maria of Guadalupe because my mom recovered and got out of the hospital. With the same faith, I ask to look after the doctors and nurses who are risking their lives with the patients with this terrible virus.

Mexico, 2020

When I thought I’d remain an old maid, Toño came to my life. He loves me and makes me happy. I thank Saint Anthony, and I should’ve kept my chin up.

Hermelinda Sanchez

When I was 15 years old, I was very much worried about my appearance. One day I was walking down the street near a troop of soldiers. The officer saw me and ordered: “Eyes right!” And they all turned their heads in my direction! Since then I have lost all my complexes. Thanks to my Guardian Angel for sending me this officer.

Saint Charbel, thank you for your deeds. I thank for helping out to my daughter to go on studying. I had to become a prostitute after my husband left us and I got an accident at work. I accidentally put my hand in a die and lost my arm. They had to give me a prosthesis. I thank for my daughter has finished nursing school.

Faustina Flores
Mexico City, 1964

Alberto Murillo thanks the Virgin of the Charity for helping him to get rid of these terrible pain in his back that he felt like the Death was dragging him. Now he don’t need to be operated. With his eternal gratitude, he gives this retablo.

April 24, 1947 — The Peacock, Jalisco

I, Gabriela Magdala Lopez Ramirez, want to thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for all her favors received during 2019. I almost went crazy from the headache and anxiety attacks, but I managed to calm my mind by praying so my swim ring didn’t blow up. Thanks to the Brown-skin girl I got new jobs—one on TV and I staged my play in the theatre. Also our Union of Artistic Associations got bigger and better. Thanks from the heart.

December 2019

My gratitude is to Saint Jude for giving me luck of knowing doña Susy who have been my teacher in many things. I also give thanks to her.

Inocente

With this humble retablo, I give infinite thanks to the Virgin of Juquila for protecting me on every November 2, because on this night my bar fills with the souls of the dead of the town who come very cheerful to celebrate their day with lots of music and mezcal.

Nicandro Tejeda ~ Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico

Everyone thinks that I just lie in bed and do nothing. In fact, I imagine new paintings. Thanks to my Guardian Angel who don’t let me be lazy!

Beings from another world were carrying the cow. Thanks for they couldn’t.

One evening I heard my cats being very restless. When I looked at them I was quite surprised to see the little red devils torturing my cats to divert themselves. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for giving me strength to sweep those damned creatures out so I could liberate my cats from suffering.

Petra Soto
January 10, 1979

It happened in 1953, during the running of the bulls in Huamantla Tlaxcala, Mexico. Young man Francisco de Marquez S. was running in front of the bulls, and one of them gored him. He was badly injured and, finding himself in this predicament, implored to Our Holy Virgin of Guadalupe. He got recovered promptly, and he left this testimony in the city of Puebla.

Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way, give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear, be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue, carry me safely to my destined pace, like you carried Christ in your close embrace. Amen.

Neda Contreras