The teacher Maria Molina always fell asleep in class because she had insomnia at night. The school principal threatened to fire her if she would continue to sleep because the children made noise and were very naughty while she was sleeping. Maria was afraid and prayed to the Virgin of San Juan. And by the miracle now she sleeps at night like a baby and never sleeps in class.

I offer you this retablo, Holy Lord, for saving me during this encounter with the most hideous creature that my sister and I saw at the town cemetery.

Cuch-Balam, Yucatan, 1940

I ask the Guardian angel of Mexico City to protect the homeless kids left to the mercy of fate and living in every corner of this biggest city in the world. Let’s do something because we also were children and some of us are parents.

Mexico City, 2000

Adriana Guzman was participating in a sadomasochistic session when her master had a heart attack. She thanks Saint Charbel because thanks to her screams the help arrived, although she had some embarrassing moments.

I, Donashi Azucena from Ejutla de Crespo, in honor and glory of Saint Mary and the Precious Blood of Christ, that protected me when I was being chased in the Labrador mountain and saw a seven-headed serpent. I prayed for salvation and managed to escape alive from that sacred place, although I hit my knee and some tumors appeared with fright after the strongest earthquake we ever had in the history of our state of Oaxaca, on January of 1931. Since then in my town we offer up a giant snake on the Daninyaaloani mountain to celebrate the opportunity of giving and receiving and the fact that we survived, although many compatriots died. I offer this retablo and thank from the bottom of my heart in September of 1932.

(2011)

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because my buddy forgave me after catching me with his wife in their bed. I ask for your forgiveness but I couldn’t resist.

Pancho
Mexico, 1970

My Pepito was a very naughty boy. He didn’t like to study at all. His teacher couldn’t stand him and was about to expel him from the elementary school. I thank the Virgin of San Juan because my boy changed a lot. Now he’s studying. Al least he scored 6 points in the exam, so he might pass to another grade, after three attempts.

Jacinta Hernandez
Tlaxcala

Camilo Morales was swimming when he got cramp and went to the bottom of the sea. He felt his lung ruptured. In his delirium, he saw three mermaids that dragged him to the shore and gave him the necessary oxygen with their kisses. Camilo thanks the Blessed Sacrament for this miracle.

After looking for my husband in every bar, I found him very drunk with his buddy the devil. Thanks, Virgin of Juquila.

Petra Lopez
Oaxaca, 1967

November 20, 1910, the people of Mexico took up arms at the call of Francisco Madero. Entrusting themselves to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the people fought doughtily for their rights, under the slogans “Viva the revolution!” and “Down with the bad government!”. With the faith in the better life and lands, and liberty, people fought for a free and independent Mexico. Don’t forget that there’s no other country like Mexico. Viva Mexico! Viva the revolution!

Minas de Cristo, Mexico City
November 20, 2010

Some of my sheep and a cow got lost. I searched for them but couldn’t find. I prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and then a flock of birds came to me and started twittering. They wanted me to follow them. They led me to some distant pastures where I found my animals grazing.

Joel was working in the corn field when his pig escaped. Joel was sad, but we prayed to you, Virgin of San Juan, so you’d help us to find it. Don Pepe brought it back, and we dedicate this retablo to you.

The Morales’ ranch
San Francisco Chimalpa
June 15, 1990

I lived happy with my cats, but sometimes we had no food because my salary was very small. Also I needed a man. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because I met a milkman Jose, who proposed me. He is a very good man. He sheltered us. He loves me, and my cats don’t starve anymore, because they have fresh milk every day.