1952, I left my work. When I was walking down an alley in San Antonio neighborhood in Puebla I was attacked by a man who seemed to be crazy. I implored the Virgin of San Juan, and then the wrestler El Santo The Silver mask appeared. He saved me, and I give infinite thanks for that.

Altagracia Hernandez

The torero Catarino Mendoza brings this retablo thanking Saint James for healing the wound on his buttock after being pierced by the bull.

Puebla, 1940

Since I didn’t know how to cook my dishes always turned out horrible. I was in despair and asked Saint Paschal Baylon for help. Little by little my cooking skills were improving. Now my husband is very much satisfied with my food and even has bought me new pans and pots. I give thanks for that.

Felipa Cordero
Cuetzalan, Puebla

Filomena Venegas had difficulties with her mother-in-law because she didn’t know how to cook. She prayed to Saint Paschal Baylon, and now she cooks so delicious food, that even the mother-in-law licks her fingers after the meal. Filomena gives thanks for that.

Puebla, 1925

1978, during the town day in Huejotzingo, an UFO abducted my wife and my mother-in-law. Me—I hid myself and prayed the Holy Child of Atocha whom I thank now because the UFO didn’t notice me.


Seferino

Mr. Domingo Ramirez was a misanthrope. One day a cloud of black moths flew into his room. Domingo prayed Saint James. He thanks because the moths flew away, and he promises not to be so angry.

Peubla, 1937

My patrons asked me to cook some mole and two turkeys. I was feeling bad to kill birds. I thank Saint Paschal because I convinced my patrons to have another dish and they even gave me those two turkeys as a gift. I took them back to my hut, and I’m very glad.

Maria Flores
Atlixco, Puebla

The maid Rafaila Gomez was very lonely so she entrusted herself to Saint Anthony and caught the piano teacher. She brings this retablo for Saint Anthony thanking him for she didn’t end up with a drunkard.

Puebla, 1920

1915, in the town of Guejosingo, the soul of my buddy appeared to me. He didn’t stop flirting with me so he chased me. I thank Saint Bruno for protecting me so I didn’t suffer any harm.

Rosa M.

In the outskirts of Zacatlan, Macario Barrales met an unrest soul. He prayed the Holy Child of Atocha for protection, and the dead didn’t do him any harm. He thanks for that with the retablo.

1920

As a consequence of beating the fuck out of her mother-in-law Sebastiana Montiel was taken to the jail. She thanks Saint Pancras because the artist Frida helped her to go out of the jail.

Puebla, 1939

Every time I had to sell my bread on the street, a very angry dog jumped on me. It barked and chased me for few blocks not letting me deliver the bread to my clients. With all my faith, I asked the Lord of the Wonders for help, and few days later the owners of this dog changed the house and took the dog with them. Now I can work in peace.

Dionisio Castro ~ Puebla de los Angeles

I went to work to the capital to earn some money to support my little children. It was hard to stay away from them, and the city life was very difficult. With all my heart, I thank the Virgin of the Solitude with this retablo because I came back to my home town and opened a fruit and vegetable stand. The things are going well, and I can support my family.

Abundia Zapata — Chignahuapan, Puebla