My brother was very jealous and was kicking all my suitors out. I was worried and afraid that I might end up being an old maid. I thank the Virgin of San Juan, with all my heart, because one day came the revolutionaries and took my brother to fight along with them. So now I can relax with my beloved one.

Yolanda Garcia — Piedras Negras, Coahuila

In 1914, my fiancé had to leave me because he was going to the revolution. But my father was waiting to kill him. I give infinite thanks to the Child of Atocha for my father is bad in aiming and he didn’t do anything to him.

Cadereita, N. L., 1914
Justina Jaime

We entrust the souls of these peasants to the Holy Trinity, take pity in them. They were hanged for joining the revolution like us who are keep on going hoping to defeat the evil government that imposes his law, hunger, poverty and death on us. Long live Emiliano Zapato! Death to Huerta! Long live revolution!

May 30, 1913
Xochimilco, Mexico

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

The federals caught me and they were going to shoot me for being a rebel. I implored the Lord of Chalma for my life, and that moment general Pancho Villa came into the town with his troops. They made the federals run away and saved my life. So I decided to join them, for which I dedicate this retablo.

Herminio N. ~ Saltillo, Coahuila

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

1914, coming to Puebla, the federals were close on my heels. I entrusted myself to Saint Martin the Cavalryman and could escape safely so they didn’t catch me. I thank for this great favor.

Toribio Alvarado

In times of the Revolution I was unlucky to run into bandits who weren’t satisfied by taking my horse and my belongings but also decided to hang me on a tree. I wholeheartedly entrusted myself to the Virgin of San Juan, and when they left leaving me hanging there the rope miraculously broke down saving my life.

Leandro Garcia ~ San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Dear Teresa Urrea, Santa de Cabora,
Though you healed thousands, influenced the course of Mexican revolution and the inevitable overthrow of Porfirio Diaz’ regime, you remained humble and maintained that you were just a normal person that wanted to help people. In these trying times, send your spirit and guidance to your people. Allow us to heal and create, as you did, by acknowledging the connection between all people and the value of all life. With thankfulness for your legacy of healing.

We were going to Veracruz when we were attacked at the Aljibes station. We abandoned the trains because the railroads were mined by the people of Obregon. We continued our way riding horses brought the sierra of Puebla. There were almost a hundred of us, loyal to Carranza. When we met general Rodolfo Herrera he led us to Tlaxcalantongo so we could rest. But at the dawn we heard screams “Viva Obregon! Death to Carranza!” and there he died. I testify to what happened. I entrusted his soul to God and I thank for I could escape through the sierra.

Pedro G., May 21, 1925

I dedicate this retablo and entrust this precious woman to the Holy Cross. Although she was a whore, she gave her life for the cause of the Mexican revolution. She died brutally slaughtered but taking out many federals with her.

Marieta, don’t be flirty
Because men are very bad
They promise lots of gifts
And what they give are pure hits.

Chihuahua, 1912

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, although we were soldiers, we were also guadalupans, Mexicans so we entrusted ourselves to you. We fought revolutionaries but we only followed the orders. The 32 battalion from Zacatecas offers you this retablo for helping us when we were surrounded. Although we were outnumbered but you gave us aiming accuracy so the rebels retreated to the mountains. I, Casildo Perez, testify to this.

Zacatecas, October 24, 1914

In times of the Revolution, there was a very tough battle in my village, and I became an orphan. One day I met the general Emiliano Zapata himself and humbly asked him for help. I thank the Virgin of San Juan for having sent him to me, because he took me with him and gave me many advices that made me into a hardworking, loyal and brave man.

Maclovio Lopez ~ Jonacatepec, Morelos