The land in our village was dry. There wasn’t much green around either. But the day Victor and I got married a miracle happened. Everything started flourishing, the fields became green, and hundreds of birds flew over to celebrate our happiness. It was really magical, since the miracle went on. It rained more often, and the crops were abundant. We thank the Virgin of Guadalupe, and we promise to protect our love.

Retablo to the god Tlaloc. Master and lord, our precious provider, have mercy in your heart, reanimate the earth and everything that lives and sprouts in it. I pray to you, the lords, the providers of the four points, the masters of the mountains and the caves, come and bring comfort to the villagers, pour your water on the earth. The earth, the animals, the plants and the reeds—everyone is waiting and crying for it.

Retablo to the goddess Coatlicue. Thank you, mother, for your gifts, for the fertility, for the rain and for the life itself. Spare us from your lightning.

One evening, when I was in the mountains, it started raining very hard. My sheep got so scared they ran and lost me. It brought me a deep sorrow, and I implored to Saint Francis of Assisi with all my faith. Three days later, I found my sheep in the field. They were alright and no one missing. I give thanks for such a big miracle.

Cecilio Perez
Zacapoaxtla, Puebla

My children and I were walking along the river when suddenly a terrible rainstorm began. The wall of rain were so dense we couldn’t see where to go. I was scared that because of the rain the water in the river might rise and take us. So while we were running I began to pray the Virgin of Zapopan, and she stopped the rain in a miraculous way. The splendid sun appeared shining in the sky and covered us with its warm rays. I thank for that and present this retablo as a testimony to that miracle.

After a long drought I was about to lose my crop. I was worried because I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family. I asked Saint Isidor the Labourer for help, and he worked a miracle. Few days later the rains came and saved my land. I thank for that.

Niceforo Ortiz
Xalapa, Veracruz

One day Roberto went to the mountains and got caught in the rain. He went to a cave for cover but a bear got out of there and chased him all over the mountains.

I thank Saint Isidor the Labourer because it’s finally raining after a long drought. Now my cows won’t die from thirst and hunger without grass and water.

My daughters and I went to the mountains to gather some herbs for our grandmother. On our way back, a strong wind arose, it started raining and the stones began to fell down. We entrusted ourselves to Saint Liberata, and not even a small stone hit us. After that we descend from the mountains. We were wet, cold, but safe and sound. We thank for this amazing miracle.

One evening I was coming back from the town and a tremendous downpour began. Suddenly, a lightning struck and scared the horses in the corral. One of them jumped over the fence going over me. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for the horse didn’t hit me, and I only got scared.

Apolonia García
Zapopan, Jalisco

Thank you, Saint Jude Thaddeus, for all your favors. It started raining, and I, on my way home, had to cross the river. The rain was getting stronger, and I couldn’t get out of the current. My horse and I, we tried another time and got out but the horse stumbled and fell on me. My rib was broken, but I got better after I had an operation.

Blas Gallegos
Puebla, 1965

My children went to the mountains to gather wood when the thunderstorm began. There were many lightings and it rained very much, but thanks to the Virgin of Zapopan the kids found a cave where they hid themselves and waited until the storm ended. I thank the Virgin because I know there was no cave there, so it was a miracle.

A very strong rain caught us on our way back to the town. I was scared that with all this water the river might exceed its banks, how it had happened before, and would drag me and my children. I prayed to the Virgin of Zapopan, and she miraculously stopped the rain. The sun peeped out from behind the storm clouds, and the clouds were gone.