When my husband and I went to visit our relatives in Veracruz we had to go in a boat by the river. Then some giant crocodiles began to surround us. It was getting harder to row because of the stones and mangroves. But thanks to the Virgin of San Juan we managed to get to the house of our relatives safe and sound and no animal attacked us. We offer this retablo to the Virgin.

I thank Saint Quiteria of Frexeiras for not letting my boat drown.

Alipio Jose da Silva
Japaratinga, Alagoas
12/10/1999

I took Dorita for a boat ride down the river. I planed to read her some poetry and declare my love to her. But when we passed the old cemetery down the river we saw dead men. They had come out their grave and were dancing, gathering flowers and waving to us. Dorita was so frightened that I though she’d never accept my proposal after this ride. However, thank to the Virgin of Guadalupe she agreed to marry me despite everything.

Socorro Aguilar dedicates this humble retablo to Saint Isidor Labourer because she’s doing well selling her flowers to the tourists who pass in Xochimilco by trajineras boats. She makes their day with beauty and colors.

Xochimilco, Mexico

It took me almost 40 years to get my own swan pedal boat but Saint Crispin helped me.

One morning I went fishing in my small boat. Suddenly I hooked an enormous sailfish. I give thanks to Saint Peter because after many hours of efforts I finally managed to catch it. I sold it and earned a lot of money.

Teodoro Muñoz
Manzanillo, Coahuila

We were attacked by strange fish in open sea. Thanks for my dogs and I escaped safely.

Lucia, 1971

When I was fishing one night, my boat started to sink. The sea was filled with sharks. I was scared and began to pray the Blessed Sacrament for help. They made the miracle and send me a giant bird which pulled me out of the water before I was attacked by the sharks. I thank the Blessed Sacrament.

I was drifting in the open sea for 10 days. Then came an UFO and helped me to reach the mainland.

1971

After a shipwreck, I found myself on a small island. I had only a boat to fish to survive. Suddenly two beautiful mermaids appeared from the sea. They apparently were in love with me. I don’t know if it was a hallucination, my nerves or just a pleasant dream. I thank the Virgin.

Amador Ramirez
Island of Women — May 7, 1969

The fisherman Agripino from Angel, Oaxaca, and his son thank the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patroness of the fishermen, for healing his arms and giving him strength to keep fishing in open sea where he catches lutjanus fish. He saved money for a new boat. Bless the fishing with the help of the Holy Virgin.

March, 1950

Finally, after so many prayers to Saint Anthony my boyfriend asked my hand in marriage when we were boating on the lake. I thank saint because I’m already 26 years old and I was afraid to become an old maid.

One night I went fishing, and my boat sank. The sea was filled with sharks, and I got very scared for my life. But then I heard wings fluttering and I saw my Guardian angel who took me out of the water before the sharks attacked me. I thank my Guardian angel for that miracle.