At the Christmas party in the neighborhood I went to put some liquor in my punch. Since I was already tipsy I got into the piñata event and was kicked in the head. I give thanks to Saint James the Apostle because I got only the lump. I promise not to drink so much.

Serapio Esparza
Oaxaca, 1968

One night I was selling cold beer at the wrestling arena. I was distracted and didn’t noticed that the wrestler Superpig jumped off the third rope and almost fell on me. I thank the Virgin of Juquilia because I stepped away in time. Otherwise he would have squashed me.

Severino Guzman
Oaxaca

I dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of the Solitude because I managed to work another year on this angle to send money back to Oaxaca to my parents so they wouldn’t lack anything. I beg from the bottom of my heart to look after them for me.

Morena
Merced, Mexico City — May 10, 2009

I offer this retablo to the Lord of Chalma in a sign of gratitude for protecting me from a bull that I got in corrida and which happened to be very angry. I thought it would end badly for me on the bullfight-ring.

Porfirio Moctezuma
Oaxaca

Thank you, Saint Jude, for the incredible vacations in Zipolite that hot summer in 1986 when I met Vero[nica].

Conchita Monjaraz