I didn’t expect to inherit small corn fields after one of my distant uncle’s death. But my mother gave me an idea to sell sweet corn on the streets. I thank Saint Martin the Cavalryman because the sales are going well and I’m much better as a vendor than as a farmer.

Felipe Carrion ~ Iztapalapa, Mexico City

I thank the Virgin of San Juan for saving my life and for I didn’t get pregnant after being attacked and raped by some villains.

Sofia Garcia Mendez
Mexico City, 1975

Saint Jude Thaddeus, thank you for having a happy home and a nice partner. I used to live with a partner who was putting horns on me and didn’t help me at all. However, it’s all different with Adrian. When he comes from work—he returns earlier than me—he does cooking and cleaning. I’m so in love with him for that, and he’s also very sweet and loving with me.

Celso Lara, Mexico City, 1965

When I was returning after having coated my brother-in-law’s house and with few drinks inside, the fucking devil appeared to me. I ran so fast out of there that I even sobered up. I asked the Holy Lord of Chalma to look after me and deliver me from the evil. Now I’m thanking and promise not to use an expression “Devil fucks your mother” ever again.

Jose Trinidad Martinez de Jesus
Tacuba neighborhood, Mexico City
July 6, 1984

Maria Antonieta Garcia earns her living by selling her body at the streets of the Mexico City in order to support her children since she was left by her husband. She asks the Holy Heart of Jesus to look after and protect her in this miserable but honest job she’s destined to.

December 1960

I thank Saint Jude Thaddeus, with the present exvoto, for the great talent of the painter Diego Rivera. I admire his work very much but my favorite is his mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central” which I like for its colors and beauty.

Mexico City

Newspaper: “Exonerated three sons of politicians”

Although I know that what I did was not good, I thank the Virgin for the opportunity to do justice with my own hands because the government didn’t do it when I was raped by those juniors.

Alicia M. — CDMX, Mexico, 13–7–2018

I asked you so much to not take my Maria when she had a heart attack. Crying, I implored you, Saint Jude Thaddeus, and you heard me, and now she’s healthy and happy. Grateful, I bring this retablo to you and promise to bring one every year while she lives.

Thank you Lord!
Agustin Ponce — Mexico City, December 28, 1970

I put Saint Anthony head down to make him work a miracle of getting me a boyfriend. Then I met Bryan in Tinder, and to this day we are very happy thanks to Saint Anthony.

Yours sincerely El Charly
CDMX 17/3/2017

Daniel gives infinite thanks to the Holy Lord of Chalma for saving his life when the brakes in his truck failed on the way from Cuernavaca. He thanks for this favor.

April 15, 1989, Mexico City

I dedicate this humble retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus for the program “Chavo from the 8”. My brother and I were very much entertained with the program when we were kids. Although I’m an adult now, I’m still enjoying watching it—now with my children.

Carlos L. ~ Mexico City

I’m very happy that Roberto let me live in this apartment showing me how much he loves me, although having discovered that I’m not a woman but gay. We live very happy without hiding our relationship. I asked a lot Saint Sebastian, saint whom I’m devoted to. He understands us and I will live eternally grateful to him.

The Dove — Mexico City, 1990

Virgin of San Juan, thank you for your help. I was talking with my ex-pimp Armando so that he would give me back my belongings because he didn’t live with me anymore and lived with Ramona. She came out of the brothel door and attacked me from behind hitting me with a bottle. We fell on the ground where she kept beating me until I lost my conscience. I couldn’t recover for a long time. I asked the Virgin to heal me and so that my head would be alright until I was fully recovered.

Marina Peña
Mexico City, 1955