I used to love to reunite with my friends on Thursdays to play cards. Then we began to play really high stakes, and I got this feeling of gambling. One time I almost lost my husband’s car. Fortunately, I won that round, although I was frightened. I realized I’m addicted to gambling and I can stake anything to play. I promised to the Virgin if she helps me I would cook sweets every time I have temptation to play again. The Virgin gave me strength, and I do not play anymore but have opened a pastry shop.

Thank you, Virgin, for helping me to resist.

I dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of Fatima because on my graduation day I was thinking only about smoking a delicious american cigarette «Tareyton» with double filter for soft and deep flavor. Also they have a filter of activated charcoal and a white outer filter which balances the elements of the taste of the Virginia tobacco. After ceremony I smoked five of them.

I thank my Saint Guardian Angel, because despite all my dirty thoughts, nothing happened between me and my secretary Elena, when we were on a business trip and had to stay in the same room in the hotel on the night of August 14.

I dedicate this retablo to Saint Raymond for he gives me strength and protects me during these long nights when I have to sleep alone. I have so many naughty, filthy thoughts, but he helps me to win over the sin and to postpone my damnation.

Ana Maria Gonzalez was terrified to find out that she had a sin — gambling. One Thursday, as usual, she was spending time with her friends playing cards. She lost everything and staked her husband’s house. Ana Maria thanked the Virgin of Zapopan for she won that game. She promised not to play again, and as if she would have such a temptation she would go to bake. Now, Ana Maria opened the pastry-shop and it brings her a good income.

I thank the Lord of Chalma, because Joaquin managed to escape before my husband entered the room. So he avoided troubles. I dedicate this retablo, asking for forgiveness and repenting. I swear I wouldn’t have cheated on my husband, because he loves me and doesn’t deserve it. I’ll always be faithful to him until death tears us apart. I fell for Joaquin’s youth and words, but it really helped me to appreciate my husband as a man and as a human being.

Rosa H. J.
Condesa, Mexico City
February 14, 1990

The other night I was surfing the web and buying on Amazon. Suddenly my internet went out. I thank Chavez for saving me from the temptation of capitalism. I promise to pray to him and to hide my credit cards.

Vanessa Fajardo
2014

When Matilda Corona went to gather some prickly pears, a nagual appeared to her. The nagual started to persuade her to go with him and he promised her a treasure. Matilda thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe because she realized that the nagual was lying. She didn’t accept his proposition and didn’t fall in his trap. Matilda came back home, and the nagual never bother her since.

April 14, 1968

When I became a widow, I decided to get retired. I devoted myself to embroider and to care about my dogs. But one day the devil appeared and whispered in my ear some sinful ideas. Then I started to look with lust at the pharmacist Manuel and even on our priest. When I realized my distress, I prayed to the Virgin of Zapopan. Thanks to her inspiration I accepted the doctor Vazquez’ marriage proposal. Now I think only about him. And I thank the Holy Virgin for saving me from the devil.

The devil tried to tempt me with an enormous pearl. It was so big and so beautiful, that I almost yielded to the temptation. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe, because she strengthened my belief and I resisted.

I give thanks to the Virgin of Zapopan for letting me arrive to my 29 years staying a virgin and overcoming the temptations of the flesh.

Gabriela
Tijuana, Mexico
November, 2014

I give thanks and dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of Chapi, because, although she was hell of a broad, I resisted the temptation of abusing my sister-in-law Olga, when she fell asleep after my bachelor-party at which we both got drunk.