I thank Saint Benedict for helping me to keep my great secret. In reality it’s my wife who is the boss in our house and I’m just a henpecked husband. If somebody found out, it would damage my tough image among the fans and I’d be a joke for my fellows wrestlers. I bring this humble retablo.

The wrestler Black Storm, Mexico City

When I got lost, I was attacked. They tried to take my taxi—my only way to earn money after I’d been fired from Ruta 100 (public transport company). I prayed the Angel of Justice, and the attackers suddenly ran away in fear without doing me any harm. I knew it was you, Angel, who scared them away. That’s why I offer this retablo to you, to the protector of all Mexico City’s taxi drivers. It happened in the biggest city in the world—Mexico City.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for bringing my husband back from the USA. He used to work as a waiter in a restaurant in one of the twin towers in New York. When I saw this on TV, I prayed the Virgin for divine protection and help, and she heard my prayers.

Delfina Montes from here, Mexico City
September 29, 2001

Virgin of Guadalupe, thank you for the comfort you gave me. I was late to my work so I come back home. My partner wasn’t at home, I went to the roof. To my surprise I saw him hugging with another man. We had a huge fight, and he told me he had been going out with that guy. I kicked him out. It was very painful to me, but I had to break with him for good.

Alfredo Vale
Mexico City, 1969

I was going down the stairs from the roof carrying the washing and stumbled on my son’s toys. I was worried that something bad would happen with my baby and ask the Holy Virgins for protection. And my baby was born healthy.

Guadalupe Silva
Mexico City, July 18, 2000

I thank you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for all triumphs you granted to my wrestling idol—El Santo, The Silver Mask. I’ll keep telling his story because the art will never die.

A. V. R.
Minas de Cristo, Mexico City
February 4, 2008

I never forget that morning of September 19, 1985, when my little son and I were surprised by that terrible earthquake. It threatened to destroy the building we used to live in. I’ll be forever grateful to Saint Jude Thaddeus for protecting us. I entrusted ourselves and he saved our lives. Now I can actually see that my boy grew up in a good man.

Pedro Ortiz, Mexico City

Oh Saint God, thank for it was only a dream when the damned devil appeared to me and entered through the window. I ask for forgiveness and I swear I won’t cheat on my husband anymore.

Repenting wife J. R. C.
Condesa, Mexico City — February 14, 2000

Socorro Aguilar dedicates this humble retablo to Saint Isidor Labourer because she’s doing well selling her flowers to the tourists who pass in Xochimilco by trajineras boats. She makes their day with beauty and colors.

Xochimilco, Mexico

29-years old Karla The Indian, a transsexual show performer, thanks the Virgin.

Tepito, Mexico, 2008

We thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for surviving the earthquake that shook Mexico City the morning of September 19. The roof of our house fell on me and my family. The neighbors got us out. When I came back to my senses I began to pray to the Holy Virgin for my family. Now all of us give thanks for this miracle.

Colonia Roma, Mexico City
December 12, 1985

Lord of Chalma, thank you because my wife with my kids have returned to me. She left me because I used to get drunk, to spend all days in the bar and to beat her and kids, when I came home. When I was all alone, as a dog, I realized I couldn’t live without them. I stopped drinking and begged her with tears to come back. There have been 10 years without me drinking.

Jeronimo Urbina
Tacubaya, Mexico City, 1990

We thank St. Francis for our families accepted our relationship, so from now on we can live together.

Juan Soria & Rogelio Flores
Mexico City, 1992