Saint Sebastian, I dedicate you this [retablo] because my doggies El Canelo and La Negra (Cinnamon and Blackie) saved me from being stabbed by don Pedro’s son who got drunk and found out that I’m not a woman. I’m thankful for this miracle and ask you to look after my doggies, don’t let nothing happen to them.

Sergio-Paola
Mexico City, June 12, 2012

I thank Saint Lazarus who saved me from a trouble when a dog fell on my back. It fell off the roof tumbling me down when I was going for some beer. I even came out of soak with this damned fright. Think—if it would have fallen on my neck would I be telling this story? But I got up and am telling it.

A grateful Mexican from Huipulco, Mexico City
September, 2014

Julio Estrada loved to dress up like Gene Simmons, and his wife loved his look very much.

Mexico, September, 16, 1988

April 27, 1956, in Colonia Doctores, the new Arena Mexico, considered the Cathedral of lucha libre wrestling, was inaugurated. Among the stars were El Santo and El Medico Asesino (Medic Killer) who were the most notable wrestlers in the TV reports. Together they won over the Blue Demon and Rolando Vera. It was the first time I went to the wrestling.

Delfino Hernandez

I thank Saint Thomas Aquinas with this retablo for Adrienne Barbeau’s talent and beauty. Also, I thank him for keeping her safe during a difficult film shooting in the swampy waters full of snakes and insects.

Fernando Rivera — Mexico City

Baths “The Desire”

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for the miracle of having Rosa back with me after she dumped me for another woman. I love her and forgive her. Now we are very happy.

Rosa and Norma
February 14, 2009, Mexico City

Armando gives thanks to Saint Sebastian for going well after getting his wiener cut off and now lives happily with Antonio who is the love of his life.

Polanco, Mexico City — February 14, 2001

Our Lady of the Solitude, I’m going to give you thanks for sending me the cure which I asked you for so much finding myself in such a horrible trouble when I was told they were going to cut off my tit because of a torturing pain. In this grief, I entrusted myself to you and was cured in time avoiding this dangerous surgery. Now I’m healthy again and back to work.

Merced, Mexico City, 2003

I, Zuleyma Rodriguez, pays the Virgin of Guadalupe with this retablo thanking for her husband Jose Salinas would get rid of this obsession of taking bath with the doorman.

Polanco, Mexico City, 1987

I give thanks to Saint Sebastian for giving me the opportunity to realize my fantasy.

J.A.R. — Condesa, Mexico City, 2012

Sr. Pantaleon thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe because his agaves gave a lot of pulque. He sold it and got enough coin to marry Maria and live happy together with her.

October 11, 1985
Tláhuac, Mexico City

Happy and thankful, I dedicate the present retablo to you, Virgin of Guadalupe, because viagra appeared in my life and this painful illness disappeared. Now I can satisfy my wife in bed as she likes it. My marriage is saved. In my age, I tried viagra, and we both enjoyed pleasure of it. We are very happy in our intimate life. Viva la Viagra!

Señor Chan
Santa Fe, Mexico City, 1999

I thank Saint Anthony for sending me the sugar daddy which I asked for. Though I wish he could find me a bearded one who would be much higher, handsome and not divorced.

Mexico City, 2018
Alison Saldibar