An eagle tried to take one of our sheep but thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe had to drop it because it was too heavy, and the animal didn’t get hurt very much by falling down.

November 2, 1969

Suddenly I became very fond of the bull. Forgive me, Virgin.

I was coming back from fishing in my boat when I accidentally got myself into a part of lake I didn’t know well. Suddenly I stumbled upon three huge crocodiles. I got very scared because I had nothing to defend myself. That’s why I implored Saint Francis of Assisi for help, and then, by a miracle, those dangerous animals went away. I give thanks for that.

Rufino Villanueva — Tabasco, Mexico

To the Virgin of San Juan, I make this gratitude because I was able to find my daughter’s piggy that had escaped from the pigsty because she forgot to lock it.

Dionicia Juarez, Jalisco, Mexico, February 9, 1979

With my doggy and with your help, I frightened that freak away.

We went to the town to baptize our boy. The bus broke down and we had to ride horses. On our way back a viper scared my horse, it reared up, and my baby flew up in the air. But thanks to the Virgin of Zapopan he fell right into the arms of my husband who rode behind me. Nothing happened to the baby, he didn’t even got scared because he thought we were just playing. I give infinite thanks for this miracle.

One day my house was invaded by bats, but thanks to Saint Quiteria I’d went to the movies to see “Dracula” a day before, so they didn’t catch me by surprise. I put a garlic collar on my cat and amend myself with a cross so they wouldn’t suck our blood. We defended ourselves until the saint threw all these infernal beasts out of my house which I asked her for with devotion. I thank for her protection.

I, Anacleto Coloyo Meras, thank Saint Daniel for he got me out of gigolo and I’ve become a lion tamer.

Michoacan, Mexico, 1990

We thank you, Virgin, because nothing bad happened on the day of the animal invasion.

Holy Virgin, help us with our donkey who wouldn’t walk unless we bring him fruits.

At the end of the year, in my lands, I met a stray dog, in which I saw bad intentions. It was approaching to bite me. As I saw its fangs, I prayed to the Lord of the Lightnings, who seeing me playing on guitar heard my prayers and protected me.

Gil Perez
Zacatecas, MMX

Ruperta Canseco brings this retablo to Saint James giving thanks for she met the painter Frida who helped her to bring her son to the doctor when he received a blow in the balls from a mule.

Isabel Gomez brings this retablo to the Virgin of the Solitude giving infinite thanks for she could see her friend the painter Frida is very much happy with her pets.

Mexico, 1945