I was going back to my hut when suddenly a bandit jumped out on my way. He was going to hurt me. I thank the Virgin of the Solitude for giving me the courage to grab the pistol from the bandit and defend myself. I saved my life, after all I have three kids who totally depend on me.

Apolonia T. — Chihuahua, Mexico

Virgin of Guadalupe, I dedicate this exvoto in the name of all those women cowardly murdered in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Thats’ why I wholeheartedly ask for their souls to find the glory, for the comfort of their families.

October 17, 2005

I thank God for, in 1984, I asked him to give me the strength and speed of the animals to catch the train in Ciudad Juarez that was leaving me behind because of that lady’s fault who couldn’t give me change, and the God answered me. And I, who was always the slowest in basketball, received an ovation from people when I managed to get into the carriage.

I was at the slaughter in Ciudad Juarez on April 2 and survived because I hid myself under the corpse of the Immaculate Conception who took all the bullets shot at me. I thank you, the Pure, for protecting me from certain death.

April 10, 1996

My throat was inflamed and I couldn’t sing. I almost lost my voice. I entrusted myself, with great devotion, to the Holy Child Doctor of the Ill to heal me. The Child helped me, and now I’m singing again and eve better than ever. I thank for that with this retablo.

Lucha Gituerrez — Chihuhua, 1938

Tania M. infinitely thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe for enlighten her path and helping her to leave this brothel and to change her life. Now she’s a happy mother, and she dedicates this retablo with absolute devotion.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, 1992

I dedicate this retablo and entrust this precious woman to the Holy Cross. Although she was a whore, she gave her life for the cause of the Mexican revolution. She died brutally slaughtered but taking out many federals with her.

Marieta, don’t be flirty
Because men are very bad
They promise lots of gifts
And what they give are pure hits.

Chihuahua, 1912

My friend Eladio and I are known as real men and tough guys, that’s why everybody in the town respects us. We give thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua with this retablo because no one knows about our big secret that we go to the mountains to be free with our love.

Zacarias N. — Chihuahua, Mexico

I dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the name of all women in the world for those cowardly murdered in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. With sadness in my heart, I ask you, My Mother, to accept their souls to the heaven, for the comfort of their families.

October 17, 2004

How infinite those nights when you’re waiting your daughter who went for work. You’re waiting her to come back but she never will. Like many other women who were cowardly murdered here in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Every night I pray God to rest her soul here on earth and in his kingdom in heaven. We won’t forget them.

Not one more. Mother’s pain.
May 10, 2007

Luisa Escalante, being alone without a job and with two children at home, had an idea to make business with her own body. Because she was selling herself at the best spot of the lively street, she managed to support her sons, so they could make their careers. Luisa thanks the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception for having protected her at this difficult stage of her life and offers her this retablo.

Ciudad Juarez, 1965

The Garcia family had the misfortune to have their house destroyed by tornado. They thank Saint Patrick because nobody got hurt and they managed to rebuild their home.

Chihuahua

Pascual Diaz was in the mountains, and some very drunk skeletons appeared to him. They tried to take him with them. But I implored the Holy Face, and you saved me.

Chihuahua, 1942