Señora Alma Rosa Martinez caught a horrible facial herpes and wanted to die. But she prayed to the Virgin of San Juan and got cured. She thanks and brings this retablo.

Juan Gallardo was taken with the mermaid’s singing. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t eat, and was constantly thinking about her. He swam to the rocks to see her. His wife Rosario understood that she was loosing her husband, so she prayed to the Virgin of San Juan. The Virgin suggested Rosario should put earplugs in Juan’s ears. Thanks to that, the charms were broken and her husband was back to his senses again.

Virgin of San Juan, thank for your favors. I prayed to the Virgin for those two guys I met on my way wouldn’t kill me. I was coming back home, the two guys stopped me to ask the road. I noticed they were smoking marijuana and went away. But they chased me, grabbed me, tore my clothes up and raped me.

Chiapas, Mexico, 1967

Virgin of San Juan, thank for your favors. A cockfight was going on, and it seemed that my cock was going to win. I cheered him but then suddenly the other cock owner stab me in my eye. My eye fell off and I almost lost it. I thank the Virgin for enlightening the surgeon who worked on me.

Ambrosio Ibarra
Leon, Guanajuato, 1961

When I was caught by the rebels, their leader Tallarin ordered to hang me on a tree. I entrusted myself to the Virgin of San Juan. She heard my prayers and saved me from death. I bring this retablo thanking her.

Zacatlan, 1914

Alfonso Fernandez was caught at his home by the police for producing counterfeit money. He thanks the Virgin of San Juan for having a great lawyer so he didn’t get many years in jail. He promises to put himself on a righteous way.

I used to love to reunite with my friends on Thursdays to play cards. Then we began to play really high stakes, and I got this feeling of gambling. One time I almost lost my husband’s car. Fortunately, I won that round, although I was frightened. I realized I’m addicted to gambling and I can stake anything to play. I promised to the Virgin if she helps me I would cook sweets every time I have temptation to play again. The Virgin gave me strength, and I do not play anymore but have opened a pastry shop.

The girl Rosalia Martinez thanks the Virgin of San Juan for her fever went down and she was able to participate in the communion with her classmates. Moreover, her dress was the most beautiful because it was decorated with pearls.

The town of San Andres thanks the Virgin of San Juan for they finally built a school for the children.

Sebastiana Jimenez, the Casimiro Perez’ wife, ate too much opuntia prickly pears. She felt sick and had a constipation. Her husband prayed the Virgin of San Juan, and it unblocked the constipation. Sebastiana became completely healed for what he gives infinite thanks.

Zacatlan, 1914

I had a monotonous life and a tedious job, and even my husband whom I love dearly is a boring man. That’s why I thank the Virgin of San Juan for opening the magical world of the books. I didn’t enjoy reading until one day I was given a very captivating book to read. I was overwhelmed with the stories, and I’ve seen reading ever since. Even my dreams are full with adventures and I travel to distant and magical lands. Now I’m always in great mood.

Ruben Fernandez thanks the Virgin of San Juan with this retablo for he wasn’t sentenced to a long time in prison and promises to amend.

I love going to the wrestling. The other night, I was coming back after the performance and I had to pass through a deserted alley. Suddenly a guy scared me and took my bag. I thank the Virgin of San Juan because my idol, the wrestler Aztec Warrior was passing by. He heard my scream and ran to help me. He caught the robber, so now I admire him even more.

Lolita Gallardo, Mexico City