We offer this retablo to the Virgin of San Juan for the miracle that we arrived to USA after we had met the immigration police but managed to escape.

Antonio & Julio, 1941
Jalisco

I, Vicente from the José López Portillo neighborhood, lost my job. I had no education, so I decided to pursue the american dream and went as illegal immigrant to USA. I heard a lot about it from my neighbors. During the river-crossing my two guides, whom I had payed, left me to the mercy of fate. In a danger moment when I almost got caught, I prayed to the Our Lady of all Mexicans. She helped me and I arrived to USA. I promised her a retablo. After many troubles, things were getting better. Now I’m coming back home and I keep my promise.

Mexico, 1990

My Mother of Guadalupe, thank you for helping my husband Antonio and my sons Joaquin and Pedro to fulfill the american dream. The immigration police didn’t catch them, and they got in the United States to earn some money for living here, in Mexico. From the bottom of my heart, with tears in my eyes, I ask you to look after them.

Dionicia Lopez
October 11, 1998