The lion tamer Zamudio Rodriguez brings the present retablo to Saint James the Apostle for protecting him every night during his act at the circus. Those three ferocious beats he tames have never attacked him so far.

Jalisco, 1967

I’m not a good football player but since I’m the son of the team owner the coach always keeps me on the bench. The other day, during a very important match, the forward of my team was injured and I was put to play. I dedicate the present retablo to Saint John Bosco in gratitude for I scored the victory goal although I did it in a very peculiar manner since I didn’t even see the ball coming. It hit me in the face and went into the goal.

Rogelio Sandoval \ Guadalajara, Jalisco

A monster began to appear in the Laurita Rios’ closet. She was very frightened and prayed the Virgin of the Rosary so that the monster wouldn’t come back. Thanks to the Holy Virgin the girl’s father got a better job in Guadalajara so they moved there. Laurita thanks the Virgin because there are no monsters in the capital.

I thank the Virgin of San Juan for delivering me from death when my truck’s brakes went out in a turn. I entrusted myself to you in such misfortune, and now I’m very thankful.

Fransisco Lopez, Jalisco, 1992

May 13, 1962, the Rios Medina’s house got on fire. The family thanks the Virgin of San Juan for nobody was hurt and offer this retablo.

San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco

My life was very sad and unhappy. I had no job or anything to call my own. I thank Saint John Bosco with this retablo because one day my remote uncle whom I didn’t even remember left me a big inheritance completely changing my life. Now my devoted dog Fido and I are enjoying the pleasures of life.

Rogaciano Buendia
Guadalajara, Jalisco

In the month of July, don Odilon Mendez was stung by a scorpion in the field. He implored the Virgin of Guadalupe 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

I met a handsome young man on the beach in Puerto Vallarta. I began to suspect that he was gay, because every time he passed by he glanced at me smiling. Also, he liked pink towels. I thank Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lovers, because I tried my luck and talked with him, and now we’re a couple.

I thank the Virgin of Zapopan. When I was in a dating house with a great company, suddenly my wife came in. I wished the earth would swallow me up and asked the Virgin to cover me up with her cloak. The Virgin made the miracle, and my wife didn’t see me. I dedicate this retablo for that.

Guadalajara, 1966
Santos Gutierrez

Delfina Hernandez dedicates this humble retablo to Saint Barbara in sign of gratitude for her master pays her very good for her discretion so she won’t tell her wife about his infidelity, when he brings home young girls taking advantage of his wife’s absence. With this extra-money, she could help more to her family which stays back in her village.

Guadalajara, Jalisco

Mother Virgin of Guadalupe, thank you for letting me save my son Julio’s life. The pigs almost ate him when he was feeding them. I bring this retablo for this luck.

Martina Peña
Jalisco, 1954

Every time my colleagues and I went to sing serenades I used to pass a couple of tequilas to warm up my voice. But lately I was going out of hand with it to the extent of coming drunk and spoiling the serenades. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan because my colleagues gave me another opportunity, and I promised them to become an abstinent mariachi again.

Saturnino Fernandez
Zapopan, Jalisco

The wrestlers Emperor Dragon and Blue Wizzard dedicate this humble retablo to the Virgin of Zapopan for winning the wrestling couples championship that belonged to the pair of tough wrestlers Diabolic Jr. and Black Scorpion Jr. It was a very important fight of their careers.

Zapopan, Jalisco