I had a monotonous life and a tedious job, and even my husband whom I love dearly is a boring man. That’s why I thank the Virgin of San Juan for opening the magical world of the books. I didn’t enjoy reading until one day I was given a very captivating book to read. I was overwhelmed with the stories, and I’ve seen reading ever since. Even my dreams are full with adventures and I travel to distant and magical lands. Now I’m always in great mood.

Señora Maria Rodrigues had the same dream every night that she woke up in a coffin at the cemetery and skeletons try to put her down in the grave. She prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe and now thanks because she heard her and delivered her from those nightmares.

Mexico City, 1958

Holy Child of Atocha, thank you for your favors. My wife went for shopping. I was waiting for her and fell asleep in the hammock. At my sleep I felt heat. When I opened my eyes there was fire all around the house. I ran to the well for water but it was too late—our house was made of wood. I’m sure it was my wife’s stepbrother. He was going all angry ever since my father-in-law gave us his lands.

Felipe Hernandez
Tabasco, Mexico

My working days can be tiresome and boring. But thanks to the Holy Heart my soul gets free at night. I fly among the stars touching the Moon with my fingertips and diving in the infinity. I feel myself so happy and alive.

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

I thank Our Lord Jesus Christ for delivering me from those nightmares. I had this dream when the Death came to me and raped me. I was desperate but Our Lord miraculously saved me from this horror.

Amanda Cruz Perez
Xochimilco, Mexico City, 1957

Holy Virgin of Esther, thank you for the miracle of delivering me from those horrible nightmares when I saw a couple of living dead with their bony pets.

Acanceh, 1954

In my dream Saint Anthony of Padua was wearing Buddy Holly style eyeglasses.

Juanita Garcia went to the river to do her laundry. Suddenly she felt very sleepy. She didn’t notice that she’d seated under a brugmansia tree. She started seeing strange things in her dream. Suddenly she saw the Virgin of the Rosary who told her “Wake up, my daughter! Wake up immediately! If you don’t wake up now, you’ll never do.” Juanita heard her dog barking and woke up. She thank the Virgin for saving her, because they say who falls asleep under a brugmansia tree will never wake up again.

My life was so boring and tedious that I began to dream at nights that I was a beautiful mermaid and my doggy also became a small fish. Together, we swam through the marvelous underwater world. I thank the Holy Spirit for sending me these dreams. Now I’m feeling myself full of energy and much happier.

I was feeling sick and went to the bed early. I was dreaming. Suddenly I saw big colorful demons dancing around and singing like a chorus. I prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe because I knew I wasn’t a big sinner after all and my bad deeds weren’t so bad that the devils should come after me. It seemed the Virgin protected me, because the demons began to dance away and escape through the window. I felt relieved. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for saving me from eternal fire.

My wife began to have a nightmare. She started to scream and wave her arms at the nights. Once she even hit me in the face and kicked out the bed. I’m sure it started because of horror movies she used to watch. But now, thanks to the Virgin, she has switched to the soap operas and sleeps well. So do I. I thank the Virgin of San Juan.

Anacleto Torres

I prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe so much for saving me from these terrible nightmares. I was suffering from a repeated dream about being brutally raped by devils. The Virgin heard my prayers and now I sleep calmly and peacefully. I dedicate this retablo in order to thank the Virgin.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes, 1959