Saint Sebastian, I dedicate you this [retablo] because my doggies El Canelo and La Negra (Cinnamon and Blackie) saved me from being stabbed by don Pedro’s son who got drunk and found out that I’m not a woman. I’m thankful for this miracle and ask you to look after my doggies, don’t let nothing happen to them.

Sergio-Paola
Mexico City, June 12, 2012

I thank Saint Lazarus who saved me from a trouble when a dog fell on my back. It fell off the roof tumbling me down when I was going for some beer. I even came out of soak with this damned fright. Think—if it would have fallen on my neck would I be telling this story? But I got up and am telling it.

A grateful Mexican from Huipulco, Mexico City
September, 2014

Doña Sofia Ramos’ husband was a irresponsible drunkard. She and her daughter prayed the Virgin of Zapopan to get him back on the righteous path. Thanks to the Holy Virgin doña Sofia’s husband stopped drinking and found a good job.

My neighbors across the street, husband and wife, are alcoholics. He kicks her out of the house and throws things at her. Once an ashtray flew near my head. I thank my Guardian Angel for protecting me from an injury.

Saint Jude Thaddeus, thank you for protecting me. I took advantage of my husband being drunk and managed to escape. When my husband went to drink, he used to chain me in the house so I wouldn’t go out. That’s how jealous he was. When he came back from the street I asked him to unchain me to go to the bathroom. He did so. When I finished in the bathroom I noticed that my husband fell asleep. I ran away and hid myself in shrublands. Then I saw my husband walking near me with a whip in his hand—to whip me. I was very scared and decided to leave him. I went to the capital to my aunt and uncle and save myself from this cruel man.

Laura Mejia, Mexico City, 1952

I thank Saint Quiteria of Frexeiras for liberating me from temptations of gambling and drinking.

Germano Oliveira — Viçosa, AL — 04/04/07

It happened to señor Victorino Mejia, an ordinary man from San Martin Texmelucan, Puebla, who went to the celebration, that he drank a lot and got drunk. On his way back he laid to sleep under a tree. Some vultures came and started flying over him. He entrusted himself to the Holy Virgin of San Juan, and she scared the vultures away. Victorino dedicates the present retablo in gratitude and promises to never drink again.

1947

I refused to go with a drunkard, and he grabbed a knife and threatened to kill me. In this danger I implored your protection, and you saved me. Thank you for getting out alive.

Concha — Mexico City — November 12, 1990

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

The artist Gustavo B. once got drunk and painted the face of a horrible devil. Some time later he sold it for a lot of money. He thanks Saint Elias for this profit but promises to keep out of this theme.

Inocencio Fernandez was in the bar, being well drunk after a lot of mezcal. He began to see many skeletons around him. One of them asked him “Why you are alone?” It was the Death in person who tried to take him. He thanks Saint Michael for he could escape, running out of the bar, safe and sound before he died on that November 2. He promised to amend his ways.

The night of the Day of the Dead, a pair of skeletons asked me to give them a ride under the moonlight. Since I was half-drunk and needed money, I agreed. I thank the Virgin of the Rosary for they didn’t take me to their graves at the dawn.

November, Day of the Dead, a unrested ghost appeared to me. I immediately sobered up and prayed Saint Michael whom I thank now for protecting me so I can escape this danger.

Lucas Perez
Cholula, 1917