Written by Anonymous Feb 2023
This book celebrates the life of Don Pedro Jaramillo While Don Pedro's stories might be dismissed today as simple folk medicine and superstition, it is important to remember his story for how his brand of medicine and faith in God incorporated an understanding of, and respect for, the community and people that he served. I hope this book helps guide your faith as you to continue your walk with God in your daily life.
How it began, The Story of Don Pedro Jaramillo Pedro Jaramillo was a simple man living in Mexico when one day he hit his nose on a tree branch which caused him much pain. He found a pond with a thick, muddy bank. He placed mud from the pond on his nose to relieve the pain. He did this for three days until he was better. Then, he returned back to the ranch where he worked and on that very day, he fell into a deep sleep. He awoke from a dream that his foreman was sick and that he was to heal him. He immediately went to his foreman and prescribed the first thing that came to his mind, thus began the work of Don Pedro Jaramillo. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10
His Cures Were Free Don Pedro did not charge for his “recetas”; patients gave what they cared to — or nothing. Thousands of people visited him for healing, with some coming from as far away as New York. He lived very simply in a dirt-floored jacal, he used most of the money he received to help people in need. When a friend gave him 100 acres of land, he developed it into a farm and raised corn, watermelons, squash, peppers, garbanzos and garlic to give to needy visitors and to those who camped out, waiting to see him or anyone that needed food. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. ~ Hebrews 13:16 -
The Move to Texas Don Pedro Jaramillo arrived in South Texas in 1881. He settled in Los Olmos Creek. His work began among the families that lived close by and also nearby ranches. He built his home on a small plot of land that was a gift from Julia Garcia Cuellar; she gave him the land after he had healed her. He built a jacal constructed from wattle, daub, and a thatch roof. This small home became his headquarters. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” ~ Proverbs 24:3
The End of the Early Years In 1886, after being in Texas for five years, Don Pedro Jaramillo attended a wedding to which he announced to all the attendees of his presence and his practice. It was at this point that he began traveling regularly to Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Laredo. His method was always the same: he did not charge for his services, gave voluntarily and regularly to the poor, and only accepted donations that patients offered to give. He told everyone that God bestowed on him the power to heal the sick and which prescriptions to prescribe, given in the name of God and executed with faith in the name of God. His belief was that since God had bestowed on him this power to heal, God could also take it away if he used it for his own benefit. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” ~ Colossians 3:23-24
Furry Over Don Pedro - April 22, 1894 - The San Antonio Daily Express In 1894, Don Pedro spent the whole month of April in San Antonio, healing people in an outdoor clinic where 100's of people would line up daily. This aroused the curiosity of many in the city including the newspapers and local doctors. The San Antonio Daily Express published a series of articles about Don Pedro’s visit, reporting that the “best physicians in the city” were “alarmed” at the “inroads already made into the ranks of their patients” by Don Pedro. These doctors had competition with the curandero, not only because Jaramillo dispensed his cures for free, but also because the large, ethnic Mexican population of the South Texas Valley likely felt more comfortable with a curandero than with Anglo physicians during this time.
South Texas Life in a Jacal Don Pedro Jaramillo lived a very frugal life in a jacal. He served those in need, free of charge, as his actions were executed with faith and in the name of God. He claimed no healing power of his own. His mission was to help heal the sick through their faith in God's power to heal them. He believed that since God gave him the power to heal, He could also take that power away if he used it for his own benefit. He built his home on a small plot of land that was a gift from Julia Garcia Cuellar; she gave him the land after he had healed her. He built a jacal constructed from wattle, daub, and a thatch roof. This small home became his headquarters “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” ~ Proverbs 24:3
How Don Pedro Cured Doña Tomasita Doña Tomasita was suffering from a dangerously high fever and despite two physician’s failed attempts to heal her she was only getting worse. The doctors said nothing could be done and that there was no hope for her recovery. Tomasita’s mother, Eulalia Tijerina, demanded that Don Andrés send one of his vaqueros for a remedy from the great curandero Don Pedro Jaramillo. Don Andrés did not believe in the healing power of Jaramillo, yet he sent his faster rider to Los Olmos for a receta from the curandero. The rider returned with instructions. Give her three baths of natural, cold water. When they went to do this, the doctor that had been staying in our house said that this was “stupidity” and that the sick one “would die when she took the first bath.” She regained consciousness and was cured, thanks to God. Every day, we have to ask God for our assignment, we must not assume we understand His plan but rather surrender to His will daily
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The Newlyweds There was once a married couple who lived in Rio Grande City. They had tried for some time to have a baby, but had had no luck. They went to see many doctors and followed their advice, but still, God had not seen fit to bless them with a baby. So they decided that they would go to see Don Pedro. They had been told that he could work miracles. It was a long three-day journey by wagon, but they knew it would be worth going because Don Pedro would help. When the couple was a half a mile of Don Pedro’s home, a boy came running to them and stopped their wagon. He said, ‘Don Pedro said to turn around and go home. She is already pregnant.’ The young couple was shocked, but they did as Don Pedro ask. They turned around and went home, never doubting his word. Eight months later they had a healthy baby boy.
Borrowed Shoes A man who had little faith in Don Pedro asked the healer for a remedy for the malady from which he suffered. The curandero gave him such a simple prescription that the man doubted his gift even more. The man asked, "Are you sure this remedy will cure me?" Don Pedro answered, "I am as sure that this remedy will cure you as I am that you are wearing borrowed shoes." The man immediately believed as he was wearing borrowed shoes! Any remaining doubt left him when the remedy took effect. We revere Don Pedro because he helped those in need and was one of God's humble instruments for good among our people especially those who hold the true faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." ~Hebrews 11:6
The Horseless Vaquero Back in the late 1800s, most men in South Texas owned horses. One vaquero didn't as he could not afford one. He was afoot in South Texas, can you image? Well, one day, he was at a ranch and saw a horse that was sick and wind-broken. It occurred to him that the rancher might sell the horse cheaply. The vaquero offered all he had, and the owner accepted. The next day, the vaquero asks Don Pedro Jaramillo to help cure the horse. Don Pedro responded, "For the next three days, during the day, allow the horse to have all the food and water it wants, yet at night, tie the horse where it cannot get to food or water." The vaquero did as Don Pedro requested and on the fourth day, the horse was healed. The vaquero was horseless no more; his horse served him well for many years! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19
The Cure of a Shepherd There once was a young shepherd who had been sick for many weeks. He wanted to go see Don Pedro Jaramillo yet the trip would be long and some didn’t believe the young shepherd should go. The trip took him two days and he arrived the second day at dusk. He found Don Pedro close to Los Olmos creek. His hut was close to the water. When the boy asked Don Pedro for help. The healer took a piece of heavy canvas and a pillow and placed it in the creek. Don Pedro picked up the boy and placed him on the canvas. Yet it didn’t sink! The canvas continued to float on the still water. The boy remained on the canvas bed all night and had a restful sleep. The next day awoke feeling healed and was sick no more. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12
The Caballero and the Grassburr There once was a caballero that traveled far from the Rio Grande chasing cattle. He came upon a pond and stopped to drink. He drank so quickly that he didn't see the grassburr that was in the water which went down his throat. It stuck there and no matter what he did, he couldn't get it loose. So, he went to see a doctor, but he couldn't get it out! Only with a dangerous operation could the espina be removed. He didn't want the operation and suffered greatly. At last, someone told him about Don Pedro Jaramillo. So, the caballero traveled to Los Olmos Creek to see "el sanador." Don Pedro told him to drink all the water (with salt in it) that he could. The vaquero did so all the while asking God to be healed. The salty water caused him to vomit and expel the grassburr which had already sprouted two, little leaves.
Tres Trozos de Cactus Long ago, a señorita suffered with severe pains in her stomach, which at times caused her to remain in bed all day. When the señorita explained her sickness to Don Pedro, he said, "The problem is your kidneys." He told her husband to roast three pieces of cactus, slice them and make a poultice. The nopal pulp was to be placed over each kidney and stomach. The señorita was cured from her illness. Over the past few years, studies have been conducted on the healing properties of cactus, focused on its effectiveness in treating diabetes and kidney problems. It seems Don Pedro knew this over 100 years ago! "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
Oh Ye Of Little Faith! Marcelino Saenz teeth were in a bad shape. Therefore, he went to Don Pedro Jaramillo and asked for a remedy. Don Pedro told him, “Cut up an onion, put salt on it, and eat it for each of nine days. Follow my instructions exactly.” When Marcelino prepared the onions and salt, he found the remedy so distasteful he could not force himself to eat it. So he pronounced, "In the name of God," and threw it over his shoulder. He did this for each of the following days. Amazingly, his teeth ceased hurting yet all fell out, one by one. When he saw Don Pedro, he told him that he was cured. Don Pedro said you did not follow my instructions, but nevertheless your faith worked a cure. Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. ~Proverbs 19:20
En el nombre de Dios At a hotel in Alice, TX, a man and his wife arrived from El Norte. They had traveled far, looking for a doctor that could cure the wife. Someone had told them about Don Pedro Jaramillo and they were eager to meet him. When the lady from El Norte met Don Pedro he asked her to get him a cup of coffee, saying, "In the name of God," and then passing it to the patient to do the same. This continued, from one to the other, with each saying, "In the name of God," until the coffee was consumed. After a few days, the man and wife left Alice to return home. Some time later, the hotel staff received a letter from the husband stating that his wife was in good health. She had recovered quickly after consulting Don Pedro. "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." -Luke 11-9
The Long and Lonely Road One day, Juan Garcia Barrera, owner of San Pedro Ranch, left his home on horseback on his way to Corpus Christi. After traveling for some time on this hot summer day, his horse stopped suddenly and began to rear with fright. Juan saw the road blocked by a coiled rattlesnake and so, he worked his horse around it. After a short distance, his horse stopped again in the same way and for the same reason: there was yet another coiled rattlesnake in the road. This happened four or five times before he stopped to rest at a ranch where his relatives lived. Talking with one of his relatives was Don Pedro Jaramillo, in whom Juan had little faith. Juan told the story of his trip and said to the curandero, "Listen, viejo, what do the snakes signify?" Don Pedro sat thinking for a while and said, "Friend, don't go to Corpus Christi; what you will lose from not going will be little compared with what you are going to lose if you continue. It's best you return to your home as quickly as you can." Juan ignored Don Pedro and continued on his journey to Corpus Christi.
During his trip back home, bandits kidnapped him and demanded a huge ransom. Juan's son sold many horses, goats, and cattle to pay the banditos. Some fifteen days later, Juan was freed and delivered to a home of a relative in Roma, Texas. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." -Proverbs 19-20
Just Have Faith Horatio Foster was a Texas Cowboy. He wore high top boots in the South Texas heat. He developed a bad case of eczema on his feet. He went to see many doctors, but none could help. Each time he returned without a cure his vaqueros would say, “go see Don Pedro.” Horatio would reply, “what can he do!” Finally, his feet hurt so bad he begged the vaqueros to take him. Don Pedro told him to put one can of tomatoes in each boot and wear it for 12 hours. As he poured the tomatoes in his boots he said, “this is silly but I will try” and off he walked sloshing around in his boots. Sure enough, the next day his eczema was cured! Healing takes courage, we all have courage, but sometimes we must dig a little to find it.
He Came in the Night When I was a child, my Tia was very ill and my Mom prayed fervently to Don Pedro Jaramillo for his help and intercession. Not long after that, my Mother went and visited Tia and she told her about an extraordinary dream she experienced. She said that a little, old man with a white beard and black suit came and visited her. He stood at her bedside and covered her up with her quilt much in the same way that a loving father would tuck in his child at night. The next day she started feeling better. My Mother told me that at that very moment she knew that Tia was describing Don Pedro Jaramillo and that her prayers had been answered. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. ~Matthew 21:22
You Hear the Instructions but do you Follow the Directions? Marcelino Saenz’s teeth were in a bad shape; therefore, he went to Don Pedro Jaramillo and asked for a remedy. Don Pedro told him, “Cut up an onion, put salt on it, and eat it once a day for nine days. Follow my instructions exactly.” When Marcelino prepared the onions and salt, he found the remedy so distasteful and could not force himself to eat it. So, he pronounced, "In the name of God," and threw it over his shoulder. He did this for the following days. Amazingly, his teeth ceased hurting yet all fell out, one by one. When he saw Don Pedro, he told him that he was cured. Don Pedro said, “you did not follow my instructions, but nevertheless, your faith worked a cure.” “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” ~ Proverbs 19:20
Susto and the Night of the New Moon Long ago, Don Pedro traveled to the town of Beeville, where Felipe Lerma lived. Felipe told Don Pedro he was sick but would not say why. Don Pedro told Felipe, "If you don't want to tell me the cause, I shall tell you!" Don Pedro told him he had susto. "There were four men together; one of them killed one of the others and the dead man fell at your feet. At this, your heart skipped a beat which caused your sickness." Felipe agreed this was truth. Don Pedro gave him a remedy. On the night of the new moon, after he had eaten his supper and was about to go to bed, he was to take a bottle of cerveza and empty it into a jarra or some other vessel, and drink it all at once. Felipe said the remedy cured him.
The Bell of Falfurrias When Falfurrias was founded, town members worked together to build a church. The church was built, but had no bell. The parishioners decided to try to collect enough money to buy one. They started first by asking Don Pedro for a small donation. Don Pedro inquired how much the bell would cost and was told two hundred dollars. He asked, "How much has been collected?" He was told, "nothing, we have just started." "Well," said Don Pedro, "don't bother yourselves further. Select a bell for up to fifteen hundred dollars, which I shall donate." So, it happened, this is how the Sacred Heart Catholic Church got its bell. The bell is on display at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. The Church is located at 304 South Caldwell St, Falfurrias, Texas. If you're passing through, please consider going to see it.
El funeral de Don Pedro Jaramillo This very rare photo shows the pallbearers and others around the casket of Don Pedro Jaramillo on the day of his funeral in July 1907. The U.S. and Mexican flags are crossed in the background and his adopted sons are standing near the front. His resting place is at the old Los Olmos Ranch near Falfurrias, TX where his shrine is visited by many. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. ~Psalm 116:15
This Original Shrine The first shine to Don Pedro was built and paid for by Danial Cortez in 1950. That building burned down in the late 1950s and was rebuilt. Horacio Villarreal cared for the original shrine. Horacio was always smiling, greeting visitors, and sharing stories about the life of Don Pedro with anyone who asked.
The Rebuilt Shrine In the 1960’s the Don Pedro Jaramillo shrine continued to be caried for by Horacio Villarreal. Horacio was always smiling, greeting visitors, and sharing stories about the life of Don Pedro with anyone who asked. On the walls were handwritten thank-you cards, as well as photos of all sorts of people; driver’s licenses with petitioners’ photos are were pinned and taped to the wall, and hundreds of candles were always lit in the interior of the chapel, emitting an almost religious warmth and light. People would actually go into the chapel during the colder months to warm up because of the heat from the hundreds of candles that are kept burning within.
State Historical Marker The Texas State Historical Marker dedicated to Don Pedro Jaramillo was placed at his burial site in 1971. It is the first in the entire state of Texas to be written in both English and Spanish.