I, Dulce Lopez, thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because after all my suffering, when I fell in love with a feminist and was scared to be rejected because of my heterosexual past, the life smiled upon me again.

Roberto P. used to spy on his sexy neighbor while she was hanging washing out. One day she noticed him and instead of getting angry she made him her lover. Roberto thanks Saint Charnel with this retablo.

A strong wind, as it was sent to us by the demons, took my children, me and even our dog in the air and threw us far away. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan because we didn’t get hurt thanks to her divine protection.

One night some martians landed on my farm. They got in my bedroom through the window. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for they didn’t abduct me or my dog that didn’t even wake up. One of my slippers is all they took. They though it was a very valuable object.

Agustin M. enjoyed having affair with married women until one day, when he had to escape through a window, he broke his leg. In addition to that, he was totally naked and got arrested for obscenity. He promises Saint Augustine to mend his ways.

One day I forgot to lock the cage, and the canaries flew out. I was scared that my cat ate them or they flew away in the window. Fortunately, the cat didn’t eat them. The birds didn’t go away and were flying around the room and the cat was staring at them smiling. Then they came back to the cage. Now I leave the cage open so they could fly a little when they want to. I thank Saint Francis for this incredible miracle.

My horse got out of control and broke into a gallop. It wouldn’t stop, and I thought the horse would kill me. Thanks to the Virgin of Zapopan the Manuel Martinez’ son managed to stop it and save me. I thank with this retablo.

July 25, 1965

My boyfriend used to visit me at night, climbing to my balcony. Since he’s a little bit dopey, one night he climbed to my parent’s balcony by mistake. Thanks to Saint Anthony they didn’t wake up because my father is pretty violent and he could have shot him, and my mother could’ve made us get married—which is much worse. And I’m not really into marriage right now.

Dr. Jaime Robledo became a neurotic. He thanks the Holy Child Doctor for finding out that he’s fond of fish. Now when he is watching his aquarium, he calms down and finds his peace of mind.

I was doing my laundry, when a crocodile tried to attack me. I was paralyzed with fright and only prayed to Saint Michael the Archangel for protection. Then I heard the sound of a sword, and the scared animal went away. I thank Saint Michael the Archangel for the miracle.

As I promised, I dedicate this retablo to Saint Anthony of Padua for the miracle of sending me a fiancé. I thought, in my age, I would stay an old maid. I’m very happy with my Evaristo. He loves me, and we are going to get married.

Lolita Torres
Morelia, Michoacan

Every night, a nagual came from under my bed and scared me. I prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the monster didn’t appear anymore.

October 1983

Pascual Ramirez fell asleep in the shadow of a tree. He woke up because he was attacked by hundreds of ants. He thanks Saint Elias for he didn’t die from the allergic reaction.