One cold night, a flying saucer landed near doña Francisca Gomez’ house. A martian came out of it and wanted to get inside trough a window to take a doggy. But señora grabbed a broom and gave him tremendous trashing so that he ran to his spaceship. Thanks, Virgin of Guadalupe, because I thought he was going to abduct me with my two doggies.

Bonita farm, municipality of Queretaro
May 3, 1956

I dedicate this humble retablo to Saint John Bosco thanking him for finding a job as a painter of naked female models. The truth is I can’t paint but I convinced the gallery owner that I have a very abstract and modernist style. So now, apart of making money, I also delight my eyes with the beautiful models.

Gaspar Aguilar \ Queretaro, Mexico

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe who saved me one night when I went to work in the field, and a monster appeared, and fire came out from his mouth, and demons tried to catch us. I thank you, Mother of Guadalupe.

Rosendo Lopez Garcia, San Juan del Rio

Miss Yolanda Reinoso, a skirmish rider from the Margaritas ranch, dedicates this humble retablo to the Virgin of Guadalupe for the received favor of being able to do what she loves the most and what fills her with pride—the art of charro riding.

Queretaro, Mexico

Señorita Gloria Zermeño thanks the miraculous Divine Eye for curing her from bad temper and desires of the flesh.

Tlacote, Queretaro, Mexico, 1952

I bought a piñata for my son Beto’s birthday because he wanted it so much. I put a blindfold on his eyes and, as a joke, turned him around many times to make him dizzy. But he ended up confusing me with the piñata and began to beat me with a stick. I thank the Virgin of San Juan because his grandmother could stop him before he smashed me.

Jacinto Ruiz ~ Queretaro, Mexico

Eladia Torres gives thanks because my cat has chased out rats, mouses, moles and other vermin that wouldn’t left my house and my kitchen.

Queretaro, July 4, 1937

I give infinite thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe because my mom taught me to make traditional dolls Marias, or Mazahuas. By selling them I could support my kids, and I’m very proud that the people who buy them take a part of my culture with each doll.

Queretaro, Mexico

We thank Saint Francis of Assisi for not letting our animal die at our ranch on that full moon night.

Daniel Perez and son
Queretaro, Mexico, 1914

It seemed an easy thing to rob an old abandoned house. But I didn’t know that the house was haunted. Suddenly the furniture began to move by itself, the doors and windows opened which gave me goosebumps. I dedicate this retablo to Saint Benedict because I escaped safe and sound from this house. I promise I’d be a good man and won’t steal ever again.

Elias R. — Queretaro, Mexico

Thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe who guided me with her light and helped me to find a safe place to do an abortion.

Monica, 22 years — Queretaro

When I took the decision of making an abortion, I was very scared. But then I entrusted myself to the Virgin of Sorrows because who else could better understand the situation I was going through.

Susana, 21 years — Queretaro

Many thanks, Virgin of Guadalupe, for always being near and not leaving me alone when I decided not to go on with this pregnancy. You know, my Mother, what was my situation and being mother, like me, I knew you’d understand me.

Julia, 48 years — Queretaro