I thank Saint Francis of Assisi with this humble retablo because I fulfill my dream of opening my own shelter for stray and abandoned cats and dogs. I feel very much fulfilled helping them to find new families where they receive the love they deserved.

One night my cat Kika ran away and stayed away for three days and three nights. I thank God, Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Francis of Assisi for helping me and bringing Kika back home.

Mariza Aparecida de Medeiros
Recife, Pernambucano, 13/03/20

Our mule had always been very docile. But one day when we needed to get to San Martin earlier to take the better place to sell our flowers it got stubborn and refused to walk. More we pushed him, more he resisted. Then we asked Saint Francis for help. And he must have whispered something into the mule’s ear because suddenly the mule shook his ears and started walking. We managed to take place near the church and sold all our flowers. We thank for this miracle.

I took my piglets to the river to wash them because they stunk very much. Suddenly a strong current came from the mountain and took us down the river to the waterfall. I thank Saint Francis who protected us so we didn’t get hurt falling on the rocks nor drowned. We managed to get out to the bank safe and sound.

Pedro Villanueva, professional veterinary, thanks Saint Francis with this retablo because his dream finally came true—to take care and protect jaguars in their natural habitat.

Since my kids moved out I felt very lonely. One day a stray puppy came to my door. I took him, and then I felt so happy. I thank saint Francis for now I have seven dogs. They keep me company and protect the house.

I dedicate this retablo to Saint Francis of Assisi thanking him for saving my rooster Colorado. He came badly injured from a tough fight, and I was afraid he’d die. I’m very fond of him since he was a gift from my father.

Venustiano Peña ~ Aguascalientes, Mexico

With great humbleness, I dedicate this ex-voto to Saint Francis of Assisi thanking those who support Linda Blair’s WordHeart Foundation. Blessed are those who help the animals because their love will return to them hundredfold.

I thank Saint Francis for saving me from exploding like a petard when my aunt sent me to put the town ammunition dump on fire after she was caught with the father Vladimiro under the Saint Francis’ habit.

October 3, 1967
Ixtlán de los Hervores, Michoacan

Angelica X was a stripper, and she liked to perform with a boa. But one day it almost choked her. She thanks Saint Francis with this retablo for she was saved in time and promises to leave this profession.

A trio of devils were having fun hurting my cats. I thank the Saint Francis for giving my broom a celestial power so I could sweep those infernal creatures away and saved my cats from suffering.

I’d never had such an abundant crop of peaches like this year. The trees were loaded with peaches, and the fruits were big as oranges. I was very proud, but then suddenly came a flock of birds. There were hundreds of them, and they began to peck my peaches. I didn’t know hot to scare them away. They were ruining my crop. Then two dogs came and started barking so loudly that the birds flew away. I’m sure it was Saint Francis who sent me these dogs and worked the miracle of saving my crop. I adopted these dogs, and they guard my garden now.