1942, Puebla, my sister Jasinta and I were leaving after a mass and had a pleasant encounter with the painter Frida whom we admire so much. We give thanks to the Virgin of San Juan for this favor.

Maria Petra Lopez

Indalesio Jimenez who was seriously getting on my nerves because of a borderland issue came out of scrubland and threatened me. I thank the Merciful Lord because we made up and came to an agreement.

Margarito Garsia. Puebla, 1911

Happened so that in June, in the municipality of Chignahuapan, Puebla, an epidemic broke out among señor Honorio Sanchez’ animals. Finding himself in such distress he asked Saint Francis of Assisi, with all his heart, to not let the animals die. In few days they were cured. He dedicates this humble retablo for such a great miracle.

I had to carry the firework bull at the feast of the town’s patron saint. But they put too much powder in, I was afraid to burn myself with the fireworks. I entrusted myself to the Virgin of Guadalupe so she would help me, and thanks to her divine help nothing happened to me. I thank for that with this humble retablo.

Bonifacio Negrete \ Zacapoaxtla, Puebla

On her way to Zacatlan to sell flowers, Gregoria Lopez got her rear-end bitten by her donkey. It got inflamed. Since no remedy would help her, she prayed the Child of Atocha, and it got healed. She thanks for that with this retablo. 1917.

2 a.m., I was driving my taxi around the Xonaca neighborhood. Then a young beautiful nicely-dressed girl stopped me and asked me to drive to a place which turned out to be the Municipal Cemetery. She payed me and left, but instead of going towards the houses near by, she went to the cemetery. She wasn’t quite walking, more like floating. My passenger was a dead girl, so in this danger situation I prayed Our Lord Jesus Nazarene for protection. Thank God, nothing terrible happened. I brings this as a testimony of what happened in Puebla on October 1932.

Filemon Garcia T.

1914, I was caught in a storm on my way to Puebla. I was riding my horse near a tree, and a lighting hit it right over my head. The tree got on fire. I thank the Virgin of San Juan with this retablo for I didn’t get burn alive.

I used to drink pulque with my buddy every day, but one night that witch my mother-in-law and my wife kicked me off the bar with their brooms. I thank Saint Raymond for I didn’t become an idiot after so many blows since that old nag was absolutely furious and was hitting me with all her might. I promise to stop drinking because it’s better to not mess with these women.

Eulogio Coronel \ Teziutlan, Puebla

The other day, I was working at the construction site, and a very beautiful girl was passing by. I couldn’t resist and made some flirtatious compliments to her. My bad luck, I didn’t notice the cement dropping out of my cart and felling right on the engineer. I thank Saint Martin the Cavalryman because the engineer turned out to be a good man. He didn’t kick me out and saw the whole situation with humor. I promise to not flirt in working hours.

Nabor Rodriguez \ Puebla

I’m infinitely grateful to the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe for helping me every day with so many clients who buy my tamales. I didn’t have a job and by a chance found my mother’s recipe of tamales with mole, pickled peppers and sweet green sauce. And the people of the town like the taste of it.

Carmelo Lopez \ Atlixco, Puebla

Jasinto Ramirez, a wrestling fan to the bone, brings this retablo to Saint Pancras thanking him because he met in person El Santo and Blue Demon at the Constantino cinema’s arena in Puebla.

1953

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe. My daddy and my mommy were fighting and arguing all the time. One day they were hitting each other so violently that I prayed the Virgin promising her to dedicate a retablo if they stop fighting. I thank because our house is peaceful now and we leave happily.

Dionicia
Puebla, February 14, 1934

My son Ramon used to tease Saul Algumedo’s dogs. But one day the most angry dog started chasing him. The Holy Virgin of Zapopan protected the boy, so he climbed up a tree. The dog just tore his clothes. But Ramon doesn’t tease dogs ever since.

Puebla, 1970