I was always followed by the dogs when I went out. I thought it happened because I went to the market and they wanted some food. But then I noticed that they followed me anywhere. Maybe because I care about them, talk with them and sometimes, if I can, I leave them something to eat. I thank the Virgin of San Juan for having a way with dogs.

Fernando G. came home drunk. There we no light in the house, so he decided to change a bulb. He was hit by an electric current instead—he fell and broke his leg. He thanks Saint Charbel with this retablo for his recovery and for this accident made him stop drinking.

I dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of Guadalupe as a gratitude because thanks to my job as an organ-grinder I could support my children and it’s a very good feeling to make the people around feel happy with my music which follows me everywhere.

Feliciano Abascal, Mexico City

I thank the Holy Child of Prague because since I found out this cute hat—which, as I was told, had been made either in Denmark or Australia—my life has changed. I bought eyeglasses in tortoise shell, a black frock coat with an emblem, then I grew a beard and always wear the same shirt and a strap. Now I look like a college professor or a lawyer.

Sister Maria Felipa and sister Marcela were attacked by some drug addicts in an alley. The sisters thank Saint Teresa with this retablo for some dogs appeared promptly and saved them.

In August, don Laureano Mendez was stung by a scorpion in the field. He implored the Virgin of Zapopan for her divine help, and in few days got recovered. He was back to his job as a tlachiquero—pulque gatherer. For such a great miracle, he dedicates this humble retablo.

Zapopan, Jalisco

A skeleton played with my toys. Thanks for he didn’t damaged them.

Luisa, 1971

The Carlota Valdez’ knitting threads always got tangled up. She tried to put them separately but it didn’t help, and they inexplicably resulted tangled up anyway. The same happened with the electric wires. One night Carlota went to sleep and left her knitting basket under the bed. She was awaken by some noises and saw whose fault was it. There were blue demons playing with her threads. Carlota gives thanks to the Virgin of Zapopan, because that day she put an image of the Holy Virgin in the knitting basket and the demons never came back.

Virgin of San Juan, thank you for your favors. It’s been two days since I found my xoloscuintles. It was a bit from the street who told me that he’d seen the dogs. He told me they were hiding in an abandoned house after some other dogs chased them. I thank the Virgin for finding them. I couldn’t live without them.

Maruja Linares, 1967

Gregorio Cabrera got drunk, and when he went to the barn he fell impaling on his working instruments. He thanks the Virgin of the Solitude with this retablo for he was helped in time and taken to the hospital, and his life was saved.

Erika Rodrigues went to the rock concert and decided to crowd-surf. But some bastards began to grope her instead. She thanks Saint Teresa of Jesus with this retablo for they were apprehended after the concert…

My horse was taken by the nagual, but then he left it. Thanks to the Virgin.

Seferino thanks the Virgin of San Juan because on his way back to the village he found his cow which had been lost for 15 days lying down. He dedicates this retablo to the Virgin’s honor and ask for the cow’s health.

El Hielo, State of Mexico
May 3, 1990