June 24, 1909, on the Saint John’s Eve, my old man was coming back from the field and met a ghost of a hanged man. I thank Saint Augustine for protecting my old man and his donkey from such danger.

Charcas, S.L.P., 1909

Virgin of San Juan, thank you for your help. I went to the cattle yard to give some water to Chaparro (The Shorty). That’s how I call my bull because he wouldn’t grow. I didn’t notice he wasn’t tied, and I thought he was sleeping as usual. But the bull chased me and pierced my leg. The wound wasn’t deep but the blow was so strong, I was kicked out of the yard.

Jacinto Felix
Tlaxcala, 1975

1945, Puebla, the baker Tiburcio Ruiz found himself in danger when he was almost bitten by a rabid dog. He entrusted himself to Saint James and was delivered from such horror. He thanks with this ratable because he got out safe and sound.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for curing my sheep. They were dying of a horrible disease which no remedy could cure. I prayed to your divine image, and now my sheep are healthy. I offer you this retablo as gratitude.

Juventino
Pueblo Nuevo, 1945

When my cat got older he became grumpy. One day I took two kittens from the street and brought them home. My cat of course was totally indifferent to them, but then they started playing and became good friends. My cat even seemed younger. I thank Saint Francis whom I always prayed for my cat’s health.

Eduviges Flores
Tehuacan, March 1, 1958

Miraculously saved by a dolphin. Thanks.

One day, to her surprise, señora Gloria found rats at her kitchen.

My mother made a good thing when she baptized me with the name Francisca. Since I share the name with Saint Francis, he gifted me with an ability to communicate and to be friends with the animals. Anyway I go, I always have a company.

Audalia Mendez thanks the Virgin of Zapopan for sending her a presentiment about the hall storm that night. Since the roof of the stable and of the coop was blown by the wind, her animals were unprotected and left to the mercy of the inclemency of the weather. So she decided to prevent it and put them all in the house right in time because the hail storm was terrible. The animals felt safe and warm inside the house.

I dedicate this retablo to you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for saving me from dying when I hang myself. The dog opened the door in my room so my family noticed what I’m doing and pulled me down.

Eluterio Martinez
Tacubaya, Mexico City, 1960

My puppy was born with three heads. Thanks for it has made it to adulthood.

When my sister and I noticed a storm coming we bring the animals to the shed. We just put the donkey in when the storm began. It was so strong we couldn’t go out and run to the house. We heard the walls cracking and prayed the Virgin of Paloma so that the shed would withstand under the wind and rain because it seems it going to be blown off any minute. We thank for it withstood and protected all of us.

After I made a promise to Saint Quiteria of Frexeiras my neighbor stopped stealing my animals. I thank Saint Quiteria.

Francisco Cordeiro
Monteiro, Paraíba