We went to spend some time in my husband’s rancho near Catemaco. The place is beautiful but little bit wild. One day my parrot—which was a gift from my husband—escaped, and I ran for him through the forest. The parrot was flying among other parrots, and I followed it carrying my baby so I was going slower and slower. Finally I caught the parrot. That moment I realized that we were lost. I was scared and asked the Virgin for help. She sent a group of monkeys. They were making a lot of noise but guided us to the house. I thank for this miracle.

January 6, 1957, the boy Esteban fell in a Xochimilco canal. His brother Juan rushed to help him. Seeing them both in water, I entrusted them to Saint Jude Thaddeus so he would give them enough strength to get out alive from this danger. They were saved, and I promised to bring this retablo for the received favor.

Señora Juana — San Pedro, Xochimilco, Mexico

The boy Timoteo Gomez didn’t want to harm his little brother but knock out his two teeth with his yo-yo. He thanks the Holy Child of Atocha because their parents didn’t spank him till death and his brother feels better now.

To Lord of Chalma I prayed with all my soul so that he would help me to quit drinking. Every time I got drunk I beat my wife and kids with a belt. But I really love them. Thats’ why I quit drinking. Thank you for delivering me from this sin.

Eliodoro, May 10, 1925
San Francisco del Rincon, Guanajuato

Adela Gutierrez was selling her goods at the market when a nasty old lady kidnapped her baby. Señora thanks the Holy Child of Atocha because people helped her to apprehend the kidnapper and return the baby.

Lord of the Miracles, I offer you this retablo so you’d protect my grandson from rats and not let them bite him when he stays at home alone because my daughter goes to work. I came to visit them and found my grandson crying. I scared the rats away. They didn’t hurt him, and I will be always grateful for that.

Grandmother Nicolasa
Barrio Norte, Mexico City, 2007

I found a baby devil, and, with a lot of love, I made him good. Thank you Virgin.

I dedicate this ex-voto to Saint Segismundo “Froy” for giving me the joy of meeting my love in Roma and to end with me being single. I manage better and get rid of my sorrows. I’m happy with my husband and son.

Anai Lopez — October 2016, Mexico City

The girl Zuzi speaks with animals. Cure her, Virgin.

My son and I were going from town to town with our donkey selling oranges. One day we decided to take a cut through the desert and got lost. The sun was going down, and we heard hungry coyotes howling. I prayed the Virgin of Zapopan, and suddenly a bird of golden light appeared from the twilight. It guided us to the road to Fresnillo. I infinitely thank for this miracle that saved our lives.

The neighbors’ son was a shameless scoundrel. He was making out with my daughter Adriana at the dark corners. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for this boy was sent to study to Monterrey.

Francisca Lopez

My damned crested rooster was eating my plants. I wanted to scare him off but got frightened myself instead when he almost pecked out my boy’s eyes. In despair, I implored the Virgin of the Solitude for help. Fortunately nothing bad happened. I thank for that and dedicate this.

Panchita Lopez V.
Chavinda, Michoacan, 1962

I thank Saint Francis for saving me from exploding like a petard when my aunt sent me to put the town ammunition dump on fire after she was caught with the father Vladimiro under the Saint Francis’ habit.

October 3, 1967
Ixtlán de los Hervores, Michoacan