It happened in San Nicolas de los Garza, in 1925. I was at home with my mother-in-law when suddenly two robbers got inside and tied us up. In that horrible moment, I prayed to the Virgin of San Juan. Then my puppies came to the room and attacked the robbers. They saved us, and now the robbers are behind bars. I thank for that.

Eulalia Sanchez

Antonio thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe because his dog El Canelo protected him from a robber who got in his house while Antonio was sleeping. So the dog saved Antonio and his family.

October 17, 1985
Tacubaya, Mexico City

Two bandits got in the Chong Nakamura’s house while he was at home. But Chong could resist the assault with his samurai sword. He thanks Saint James with this retablo for he didn’t get arrested in spite of injuring those bandits very badly.

I was coming back from the market when a man in a black hat attacked me with an onion peeling knife. But then suddenly two dogs—not too big, but very brave indeed—jumped on him, because they don’t like people in hats. I was saved, and I thank the Holy Virgin for that.

Maria Lopez

Roberto Jimenez was driving his bus when two criminals came in and started robbing the passengers. But they didn’t know that there was a policeman on that bus. He shot the criminals. Roberto thanks the Virgin of Juquila for nothing happened to him.

I give thanks to Saint Anthony for giving me enough strength so this rotten bastard who broke into my house got what he deserved. He was so scared he dropped his gun he threatened me with. I thank with this retablo.

Josefina Santillan
Mexico, 1973

The writing on the sweater says «rat».

The night of September 30, I was coming back to my ranch when I was attacked by bandits. They beat me, tied me up, put a gag in my mouth and left me in a pit in mountains. I thank the Blessed Sacrament for my dog found me and I was saved.

Samuel Martinez

Some bandits attacked the train when Menche and I were on it carrying our money to buy the parcel near the river. I thank the Virgin who gave me strength and courage to go up to the roof with all my money. The bandits didn’t find me there and we bought the land that we wanted so much for having our own little rancho.

Virgin of Guadalupe, thank you for giving me plenty of work as a whore. You also protect me from dangers on the streets. Like when that robber tried to steal my earnings.

Rubi, 1989
Oaxaca, Mexico

I was robbed by a bandit who took my money and my horse and left me wounded in the field. I felt life leaving me through my wound. I entrusted myself to the Saint Michael Archangel, and then the Padilla brothers, who were passing by looking for the lost livestock, found me. They took me to the doctor. I thank for that miracle of Saint Michael that saved my life.

Puebla — May 27, 1956

Devils came from the hell and stole our horses. They entered out village with certainly bad intentions. They terrorized the people. We prayed to Saint Michael the Archangel, and he get the devils back to the hell with his sword.

Enrique Perez loved to go to prostitutes. But one day he got drugged and was left naked and tied up in the motel. He thanks Saint Pancras for his wife didn’t divorce him and promises to amend his ways.

I give thanks to the Holy Child of Atocha for helping me. When I was being a victim of assault, I was helped by the police after I had implored the Holy Child.

Leonila Sustaito R.
December 25