One day my husband Jose went to the United States to work, and I never heard again from him. I open a fruit shop to support my children, and the things went good thanks to Saint Anthony. The Saint made me another miracle as well. On October 15, 1964, after three years of absence, I received a postcard from my Jose who told me that he was coming back.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for brining me my husband safely back from the United States where he worked as a waiter in a restaurant in the twin towers in New York. When I saw this on tv, I implored for her blessed protection, to look after my husband, and she heard my prayers.

Delfina Arroyo from here, Mexico City
September 30, 2001

December 31, 1968

When I, full of hope of getting into the United States, crossed the Rio Bravo, I was caught by the migration police. He threatened me with death, pointing his gun in my mouth. I saw that there was no salvation for me, and I implored the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe. I realized what it is to be in a foreign land. I was searched, they took the little i got on me, then they threw me back to the river. I came back, relaying on my luck. I promised to bring you this retablo when I came back to my land. Now I do what I promised because you stayed with me.

Tomas Huerta — Zitacuaro, Michoacan

I thank the South Cross for coming back well after being abducted.

I’m infinitely thankful to Saint Anthony of Padua, with the present retablo, for bringing back my Ponciano alive. He was gone with general Zapata’s troops to fight and I was afraid I’d never see him again. But now we are together and happy with our six kids.

Clementina Cruz ~ Chilpancingo, Guerrero

My gratitude to the Virgin of Guadalupe because my daughter Yolanda came back after running away with her boyfriend Tomas.

Agapito Mora

We dedicate this small retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus, with eternal gratitude, for working the miracle of saving our brother Tomas from the bullet that the army shot in his leg, and we were able to get back to our families.

Lucas and Pascual Cruz
Durango, Mexico

I offer this retablo to the Virgin of Guadalupe because my Pedro returned to me. He had dumped me for a woman, but I asked you very much for the miracle, and now we are together and very happy.

Pedro & Julian, February 14, 1976

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for the miracle that my children, who had gone to the other side as illegals, returned to our village and now we all together work with our livestock, for which I dedicate this retablo.

Felipa Toxqui
Calpan, 1955

We were taken to Mars, we lived there for some time. Thanks for returning.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because Hugo isn’t angry with me anymore because “Chivas” (“Goats”) won 8–0–0 over “Cruz Azul” (“Blue Cross”), and he returned to me, and we’ve just celebrated 6 months together. I gave him a player Kikin t-shirt because it doesn’t matter to me if he’s so irritable, I love him as he is, and I don’t care what people say.

Perla, “Goat” in heart
Mexico City — June 2, 2006

Blessed Holy Heart, thank you because he returned to me after—they were telling—he had gone to a woman but it wasn’t true. Now he’s here as you promised me.

Richi — Interlomas, Mexico, 2007

Thanks, Virgin of Guadalupe, because my daughter Juana came back home after running away with her boyfriend.

Matias Cruz