I was a lousy cook and always burnt the food. I was afraid that my gluttonous boyfriend would leave me for a good cook. But Saint Paschal heard my prayers and requests and worked the miracle so I became a really good cook. I even invent my own recipes now. I thank the saint patron of cooks because my boyfriend has proposed to me.

As I promised, I dedicate this retablo to Saint Anthony of Padua for the miracle of sending me a fiancé. I thought, in my age, I would stay an old maid. I’m very happy with my Evaristo. He loves me, and we are going to get married.

Lolita Torres
Morelia, Michoacan

Reinaldo Castillo proposed me. He went to my mother to ask my hand in marriage. I was afraid she’d reject him how she had rejected my previous fiancé because my elder sister Matilda, her favorite, hasn’t got married yet. Because of her bad temper, she scares the young men off. I thank the Virgin of the Rosary for the wonderful miracle because my mother accepted my fiancé and we can get married now, although my sister threw a tremendous tantrum.

Because of rumors my father didn’t accept my boyfriend and even forbade me to see him. But I still met with him secretly. However, one night my father caught us in my bedroom. He was furious, he grabbed his pistol to shoot my boyfriend. I implored Saint Raymond Nonnatus to not let a tragedy happen. The pistol misfired, and my boyfriend managed to escape. Afterwards, I spoke with my father, and he finally accepted our engagement. Now he doesn’t believe any rumors, and I thank for that with this ex-voto.

Eduarda Solis
Mexico, 1959

I lived happy with my cats, but sometimes we had no food because my salary was very small. Also I needed a man. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because I met a milkman Jose, who proposed me. He is a very good man. He sheltered us. He loves me, and my cats don’t starve anymore, because they have fresh milk every day.

I thank Saint Anthony because Rosita Perez accepted my proposal of marriage, although she is a delicate flower and I’m just a rude wrestler.

The Diabolic Mask

I was being told by my friends that I’d be an old maid forever because I’m so fat. It saddened me, so I prayed to Saint Antony for a lover who’d love me for who I am. He fulfilled my wish, and now my Pepe makes me happy. He asked me for marriage with a serenade, and I thank for that.

Felipa Treviño
Monterrey, 1958

Cristoforo Buendia got furious because Lupe disregarded his wedding proposal. He shot Juana because she didn’t force Lupe to love him. Juana was wounded to death, but she swore to respect her daughter’s decision, even if she would be killed for it. Now Juana is out of danger. She offers this retablo to the Holy Face of God.

Zitacuaro, Michoacan, 1935

I went for a walk with Ramon, and an angry bull started to chase us. Ramon jumped over the fence leaving me with the furious animal. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for two things. First, for I was able to get over the fence and save myself from the bull. Second, for letting me see what type of man I was dealing with. He didn’t care about my safety. And I even considered marrying this man.

Josefina

Agustina Perez brings this retablo to the Virgin of San Juan thanking her because her boyfriend finally proposed her — that she could hardly wait.

Tlaxcala, 1917

Alicia Guzman thanks Saint Anthony with this retablo, because she netted a rich old man, who is going to marry her, so she could help her family.

I thank Saint Anthony of Padua with this humble retablo because my Maclovio came back to the ranch. He had gone very far away to work, and everybody was telling me that he’d never come back. I’m glad he kept his word, so now we’re going to get married.

Nicolasa Gomez
Guadalajara

Rodrigo Alcantara, the most handsome bachelor in the area, proposed to me. He said that I had won his heart with my food. In fact, I’m very proud about my cooking skills so I gladly agreed to marry Rodrigo. I thanks Saint Anthony for the happy marriage.