In 1925, a terrible accident happened when the bus, which young Frida Kahlo was traveling in, crashed into a tram. I was present at the moment. I thank Our Holy Mother of Guadalupe because the young girls survived and became a great painter.

Juana Cruz, Mexico City

The other day, while cleaning the windows of an eight-story building, I saw pretty girls dancing zumba in one apartment. I was staring at them like an idiot, and I slipped and almost fell down. I entrusted myself to Saint Augustine who saved me from the danger and gave me the strength to climb back up. I promise him to be careful and concentrated at my work.

Claudio Gonzalez \ Mexico City

I, Christofer Rodriguez, give infinite thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe for the miracle of having a martian girlfriend who is so pretty and so hot, and she’s going to make me extraterrestrial children. Woohoo!

Mexico City, 1989

On my way back from work, I was kidnapped by some bastards. Finding myself in a deadly danger, I entrusted myself to God asking him not to let something bad happen to me. I was able to untie myself and, with their first slip-up, ran away. I didn’t care that I was naked, because in that way I saved my life.

Damaris M.
Santa Fe, Mexico, February 10, 2015

Blessed God, I offer you this retablo for not letting me die when I drank that damned poison after having got an illness that looks like aids. I could’t stand the idea of dying from it, I got scared and that’s why I took this decision. But I was saved, and I was told the news that there’s a cure from my illness.

L. F. C. Yovana — Mexico City, 1980

Virgin of San Juan, I thank you for giving me strength to give birth to my son at home, because I had a premature labour and couldn’t get to the hospital.

Maricarmen, Mexico City, 10–07–1996

Virgin of Guadalupe, I thank you for letting me find job as a prostitute in Merced. As you know, I do it out of necessity, so I ask you to look after me in this hard work thanks to which I can support my family.

Faviola the Fatty, Merced, Mexico City
December 12, 2009

I make this retablo to thank Saints Emeterius and Celedonius who were helping me, for 4 years, with my shoulder injury which hurt so much. I thought I could never paint again. Although it still hurts, I can make painting for living. That’s why I want to ask Saint Lucy, patroness of the vision, to help me, Dario Ortiz, so I could keep on seeing everything I love to see.

Mexico City, April 2021

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for brining me my husband safely back from the United States where he worked as a waiter in a restaurant in the twin towers in New York. When I saw this on tv, I implored for her blessed protection, to look after my husband, and she heard my prayers.

Delfina Arroyo from here, Mexico City
September 30, 2001

I liked to paint but I was afraid of not having enough talent to become a professional. But one night Frida Kahlo appeared in my dream and encouraged me to paint. I give infinite thanks to Saint Charbel for that dream. It was the inspiration I needed to do what I loved the most—painting.

Mexico City

Alfredo and his wife Silvia and their son Daniel thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because they managed to cross the Rio Bravo without being noticed by the immigration police. They got to the U.S. and earn some bucks to support themselves. They wholeheartedly ask you to always protect them on their way.

January 25, 1985, Mexico City

The great wrestler El Santo thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe for delivering him from the evil that attacked him and wanted to take him away.

Mexico City, Mexico, 1965

I thank the Archangel of the Neighborhood for the luck of meeting on my path these great women who earn their living by selling pleasures on the streets of Merced. They have inspired me to paint their stories and experiences in this old profession. God bless them, support and always protect them—wholeheartedly asks you this humble neighborhood artist Alfredo Vilchis Roque.

Corner of the miracles, Minas de Cristo, Mexico City