Retablos Archives - Wax Paintings

Santiago Matamoros (Saint James The Moorslayer)

Santiago Matamoros (Saint James The Moorslayer) Saint James in the military role of Conqueror of the Moors. Inspired courage in a defeated Christian army, and aided in victory over the Moors occupying Spain. Patron of Spain, warriors, horsemen, horses, and the military. (Inspired by Antonio Molleno, active 1800-1850)

San Jose Patriarca (#2) (Saint Joseph)

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San Jose Patriarca (#2) (Saint Joseph) Patron of fathers, carpenters, builders, laborers, the home, families, and a happy death. Selected as Mary’s husband when the tip of his staff bloomed with flowers, traditionally recognized in Northern New Mexico as hollyhocks (varas de San Jose). (Inspired by Rafael Aragon, active 1820-1862)

Santa Librada (Saint Liberata)

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Santa Librada (Saint Liberata) One of nine sisters of a single birth, she wished to devote herself to Christ, but her father, a pagan Portugese king, promised her in marriage to the King of Sicily. She prayed for disfigurement, and a beard grew on her face, cancelling the marriage. She was crucified by the king, and in New Mexico is the only crucified female saint. Invoked for help in agriculture, travel, marriage, sterility, growth of stunted children, and late-walkers (Inspired by Jose...

San Rafael Arcangel

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San Rafael Arcangel (Saint Raphael The Archangel) Patron of travelers, fisherman, pilgrims, good health, and marriage. Invoked for protection against monsters, and blindness or eye trouble. (Inspired by Master of the Arroyo Hondo Church Altar Screen, active 1820- 1830)

San Geronimo (Saint Jerome)

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San Geronimo (Saint Jerome) Translated the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin. Removed a thorn from a lion’s paw, which then cared for his donkey. Patron of Taos Pueblo, children, and especially orphans. Invoked for protection from lightning (Inspired by Pedro Fresquis, active 1785-1831)

San Cristobal (Saint Christopher)

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San Cristobal (Saint Christopher) A giant of Asia Minor, he lived by a ford and carried people across the river. The Holy Child asked to be carried across, which he could barely do, despite the child’s small size. He took a new name (Christbearer) and became a martyr. Patron of travelers. (Inspired by Frank Applegate, active 1922-1931)