Caledonia Ruiz was giving birth and got scared by some villistas who were shooting. She prayed to the Virgin of the Solitude, and the baby was born well. She gives infinite thanks with this retablo.

Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, 1914

A mermaid appeared near the rocks. She was attracting the fishermen with her songs and beauty, and the boats kept crashing on the rocks and smashing in splinters. All the fishermen in the town were praying to Saint Peter because no one could resist her charm. Thanks to the prayers the saint drove the mermaid away. Now everybody is fishing without danger.

My son Ramon used to tease Saul Algumedo’s dogs. But one day the most angry dog started chasing him. The Holy Virgin of Zapopan protected the boy, so he climbed up a tree. The dog just tore his clothes. But Ramon doesn’t tease dogs ever since.

Puebla, 1970

Diana Martinez was kicked out of her house. In despair, she found a stripper job. She thanks Saint Jude Thaddeus because she’s doing very well.

My brother was very jealous and was scaring out all my suitors. I was worried and afraid that I might end up like an old maid. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan with all my heart because one day came the revolutionaries and took my brother to fight with them. So now I can relax with my beloved one.

Yolanda Garcia \ Piedras Negras, Coahuila

1952, I left my work. When I was walking down an alley in San Antonio neighborhood in Puebla I was attacked by a man who seemed to be crazy. I implored the Virgin of San Juan, and then the wrestler El Santo The Silver mask appeared. He saved me, and I give infinite thanks for that.

Altagracia Hernandez

My husband and I were coming back home late at night and cut our way. Then we saw a devil chasing us on his horse. We had no chance to escape no matter how fast we ran. Then I implored Saint Michael the Archangel. He appeared with his shining sword and made the devil back up. The devil stopped chasing us and returned to the hell. We thank for this great miracle.

Gudelia and Rebeca fell deeply in love with each other in the prison. They dedicate this retablo to Saint Patrick because thanks to some cunning tricks they were put to the same cell. Now they enjoy a married life to the fullest.

Don Casiano Perez brings this retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus with eternal devotion because thanks to his divine help balloons sales in the town park go very well. Apart of supporting his family in this way, he also brings joy to the children.

Zacatecas, Mexico

I dedicate this retablo to the people of the United States, for all those innocent died on September 11, 2001. Virgin of Guadalupe, send them your comfort, let there be peace and no war, and leave Mother Earth in peace.

From Mexico to the World
Alfredo Vilchis Roque, neighborhood artist

The torero Catarino Mendoza brings this retablo thanking Saint James for healing the wound on his buttock after being pierced by the bull.

Puebla, 1940

Blessed Heart, thank you for giving us the opportunity of meeting each other, finding our happiness and living it together such as we are.

Condeza, Mexico City
May 17, 2000

My boyfriend and I were hiding in the alley behind my house. We were talking and kissing, when suddenly some strange creatures appeared ti us. They came out of the wall. I think they were aliens. Thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe an angry dog started barking at them, and the creatures got scared and went back into the wall.