Thank you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for giving me strength to keep on wrestling so I can support my daughter.

Irma la Douce

One evening I heard my cats being very restless. When I looked at them I was quite surprised to see the little red devils torturing my cats to divert themselves. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan for giving me strength to sweep those damned creatures out so I could liberate my cats from suffering.

Petra Soto
January 10, 1979

1998, German terrorists attacked the skyscraper where my ex-wife worked. I give thanks to Saint Golotea who gave me courage and strength to secretly infiltrate into, to kill 13 scroungers and save the Nakatomi plaza.

I dedicate this retablo to Saint Judith who will hopefully keep giving me the strength to do handstands next to my pooch.

I thank my Holy Virgin for having given me strength and power to defend myself from my buddy Alberto Cruz when he wanted once again to take advantage of me while my husband was completely drunk.

Yesenia Dante, Mexico City

Our donkey on which we were carrying oranges to the town for selling fell down the cliff and couldn’t climb back by itself. We thank the Holy Child of Atocha for giving us—to me and my children—extraordinary strength to pull the donkey up and save him. Besides, we love him very much and he’s like our family member.

A mermaid fell in love with my Manuel. She was so jealous with me she grabbed my hair and tried to drown me taking to the bottom of the sea. I thank the Virgin of Zapopan because Manuel had enough strength to not let the mermaid take me and he saved me.

I thank Saint Anthony for giving me enough strength to hit this bastard who tried to rape me in the balls. I was able to save my honor.

Señorita Soledad Castillo Garcia
Mexico City, 1973

I’m asking the Virgin of Guadalupe for luck and strength so I could win the Golden Gloves tournament.

Frivolito Santos

Holy Virgin of Lourdes, I offer this retablo to your holy will because you gave me strength to kick the forest monster away.

Chiapas, 1930

I am able to bend lamp posts with ease thanks to the strength I get from Saint Therese.

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».

A mermaid enchanted my husband with her singing. She wanted to take him to the bottom of the sea. I prayed the Virgin of San Juan, and she gave me enough strength to pull my husband form this damned mermaid’s arms. I thank the Virgin.