I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for the miracle that my children, who had gone to the other side as illegals, returned to our village and now we all together work with our livestock, for which I dedicate this retablo.

Felipa Toxqui
Calpan, 1955

Thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe who worked a miracle for us and saved us from a giant octopus who came out of the sea the other day and tried to attack me and my girlfriend Maria. Thanks, Holy Virgin.

Juan Hernandez G.

I do not care what people say, I am a prostitute and I like and enjoy my work. Thank you Mary Magdalene for taking care of me and for so many clients.

Rosa M., Oslo 2018

Venito Huerta almost died from fear when a two-headed skeleton chased me.

Tlaxcala, April 10, 1939

I thank the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe for letting me put offerings to my dead. I saved some money for everything—mole, tequila, sweets, flowers, tamale. I beg for my dear ones so they rest in peace and find eternal light.

The present retablo serves to express my gratitude to the Virgin of San Juan for saving me from the fire at my land caused by that son of a bitch Holy Heart.

May 18, 1979

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for the pregnancy test turned out negative because I was very much worried who would be the father.

Ines, Oaxaca, Mexico, 1976

There was a colleague of mine who was envious of me because my breast is bigger than hers and for that I got more clients. She was pestering me, and the other night I couldn’t take it no more and we grabbed each other by the hair. I thank Saint Ignatius of Loyola because I won the fight and she stopped bothering me. Now I can work at my corner in peace.

Holy Virgin Mary, make sure that this long trip would go well and Alonso would return safely. Many thanks, Holy Virgin Mary.

Alexia

Calixto Santiago and his wife Carmencita were on their way to the town for milk when an enormous shining flying saucer came out from behind a mountain. They ran away from this big thing, but the saucer chased them and beamed them with light. They implored the Guadalupan for her intervention, and the object submerged in Zumpango lake not to come out.

1947

Gudelia Gutierrez was caught by her mistress while trying food with her hands. She thanks Saint Paschal for she wasn’t fired, although they scolded her so harshly they made her cry.

Mexico, 1925

The night when I was coming back from Xaltocan lake by Axomulco canal after midnight, the Weeping Woman herself appeared to me. I got goosebumps. I prayed Our Father and entrusted her lost soul to Niñopa. I cross myself each time I passed this place and she has never appeared to me anymore. I thank for the received favor.

Pascual, Xochimilco, Mexico

It was very hard for me to live in the country because I felt that I was different but my family and friends didn’t understand me. I thank Saint Martha for giving me courage to go to the city and there I could develop my personality. Now I’m a successful stylist, and I’m proud of my sexual preferences.

Inocencio Pascual ~ Michoacan, Mexico