Señor Antonio together with his wife Maria and their son Pedro thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for letting them cross the Rio Bravo without being noticed by the immigration police. They could make their American dream, earn some bucks and support their family.

1985

Catarino Carmona was spying on Jasinta swimming naked in the river. But then came her odious father and started shooting at him. He thanks Saint Elias with this retablo because no bullet hit him.

Puebla, 1914

A giant crocodile came out of the river. Thanks for the herons calmed him down and he didn’t do any harm.

I took my piglets to the river to wash them because they stunk very much. Suddenly a strong current came from the mountain and took us down the river to the waterfall. I thank Saint Francis who protected us so we didn’t get hurt falling on the rocks nor drowned. We managed to get out to the bank safe and sound.

When Jasinta Ramirez was swimming in the river, two chaneques appeared and chased her. She implored Saint Jude and, despite being in her bare skin, arrived safely to her hut. She thanks for that bringing this retablo.

Puebla, 1918

Notes:
Chaneque are legendary creatures in Mexican folklore. They are conceived of as small, sprite-like beings, elemental forces and guardians of nature.

Antonio and Angelica were fucking in the river when a crocodile attacked them. They implored Saint Nicholas of Bari whom they thank, with this retablo, for saving their lives, although Antonio lost a big toe.

My children were splashing near the riverbank, and the little one slipped and fell into the current. Our dog reacted immediately and jumped to save her. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for having sent us such an intelligent and loyal dog. All our family can rely on him and we love him very much.

Virgin of Juquila, thank you for your help, for saving my brother when he fell into a river and was almost bitten by a caiman.

Teodoro Puebla Lima — November, 19, 1947

We thank you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for helping us to get to the United States when we were crossing Rio Bravo. The current was strong, and the river was dragging us so we couldn’t swim. But you helped us, and we got to USA to find job and earn some money to live.

The Martinez family
Los Angeles, California, July 20, 1940

Pedro Aguilar was traveling around Amazon. He went where he shouldn’t go and was attacked by piranhas. He thanks Saint Patrick for getting out in time.

Thank you Saint Jude Thaddeus for this miracle of safely crossing Rio Bravo when my family and I went illegally to USA looking for job.

Teodoro Llano Valdes
June 7, 1975, Queretaro

The night of August 15, 1930, I was coming back to Zacatecas. While crossing a river, I was dragged by the current from a saddle and carried away. I was afraid to die drowning and prayed the Holy Child of Atocha. My horse saved me and dragged me to the shore. With this retablo, I testimony this miracle and ask to bless my horse for her loyalty.

Gumaro from Fresnillo, Zacatecas

Holy Virgin of San Juan, I dedicate this retablo to you for letting my sons, Juan and Pedro, cross the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) and get to USA, in spite of one of them being nearly drowned.

A grateful mother
Jalisco, 1983