The Great Carlist Family Honors the Martyrs of Tradition

El artículo original puede leerse aquí en español.

By the grace of God, last Saturday, March 1, in the Valencian town of Godella, we were blessed with a truly memorable celebration of the Martyrs of Tradition, where the central events for this year, 2025, took place. This commemoration always carries a profound emotion, as we gratefully remember those who gave their lives for the Holy Cause. This year, however, it held a particularly special significance.

Some of our fellow Carlists, including the Regional Chief and his family, have endured—and continue to endure—the tragic consequences of the gota fría that struck Valencia last October. Their suffering has allowed them to unite their pain with that of the martyrs.

From Every Corner

Attendees came from all corners of the peninsula, islands, and even overseas. In addition to those from the Kingdom of Valencia, there were representatives from the Círculos of Oviedo, Barcelona, Sevilla, Madrid, Salamanca, and Valladolid. We were also joined by good friends from Navarra, Mallorca, and Naples, as well as a few young members of the Mexican Círculo Celedonio de Jarauta.

Among the most notable leaders of the Comunión Tradicionalista were José Miguel Gambra, president of the Candidatura Tradicionalista; Diego Baño, its treasurer; Paula Gambra, head of the Margaritas Hispánicas; Francesco Maurizio Di Giovine, delegate of the Comunión Tradicionalista in the Italian Peninsula; Antonio Capellán, Regional Chief of the Principality of Asturias; Juan Galán, representative of the Círculo Cultural Juan Vázquez de Mella (Oviedo); Daniel Deogracias Herrán, president of the Círculo Cultural Antonio Molle Lazo (Madrid); José Luis Escobedo, president of the Círculo Ramón Parés y Vilasau (Barcelona); Helena Escolano, director of the reading club of the latter; Javier Fernández Sandoval, president of the Círculo Cultural Francisco Elías de Tejada (Sevilla); Enrique Cuñado, president of the Círculo Tradicionalista Enrique Gil Robles (Salamanca); and Gianandrea de Antonellis, a prominent member of the Círculo Carlista General Borges (Naples). Also present was Mónica Caruncho, one of the illustrators of Pelayos magazine and head of the Tienda Carlista.

The presence of Reverend Fr. J. Retamar, a member of the Círculo Sacerdotal Cura Santa Cruz and the Círculo Alberto Ruiz de Galarreta, was noteworthy. Additionally, the Political Secretariat of His Royal Highness Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón was represented by don Miguel Ayuso. We were also particularly honored by the attendance of don Alberto and don Rafael Catalá Ruiz de Galarreta, nephews of the distinguished Carlist leader.

Spiritual and Fraternal Communion

The day began, as was fitting, with the celebration of the Holy Mass according to the traditional Roman rite. The reverend father delivered an inspired sermon, calling on all present to follow the example of the martyrs, redoubling efforts to restore the Catholic City so that He may reign. Reflecting on the Mass readings, he structured his sermon around three key points: who we are (adorers of God’s greatness), how we act (through the combat of political apostolate, in accordance with the Hispanic ethos passed down through our tradition and embodied in the Carlist style described by Alberto Ruiz de Galarreta), and for what purpose (for His greater eternal glory, of which His Social Kingship on earth is both a pledge and a prelude). Among the authors cited were Rafael Gambra, Fr. Leonardo Castellani, and Pope Pius XI, whose encyclical Quas Primas marks its centenary this year.

Following the Holy Mass, an excellent aperitif provided an opportunity for fellow Carlists to greet one another and share experiences in a spirit of enthusiasm. A delicious arroz del senyoret, a traditional Valencian dish, was then served, accompanied by a fine red wine. The lively conversations continued well past dessert.

After the meal, attendees moved to a spacious assembly hall to listen to the political addresses. The richness and depth of their content defy summarization and surely merit full publication for careful reading and reflection.

The Speeches

First to speak was Jesús Ferrando, Regional Chief of the Kingdom of Valencia. After a stirring introduction that echoed the sentiments expressed at the beginning of this chronicle, he expressed his gratitude for the material and spiritual support his family had received from Carlists across Spain. He was especially moved by a heartfelt letter sent by His Royal Highness.

Next, Gianandrea de Antonellis, a Neapolitan scholar of great diligence and immense work ethic, spoke. After a few words of heartfelt gratitude, he described Carlism and its doctrine as the highest synthesis of Christian politics. In the realm of cultural action, he presented the latest developments in his impressive publishing work, which spans four distinct collections and has amassed a substantial number of volumes in a relatively short time. Each attendee received a copy of the volume compiling the daily Carlist Efemérides published by the FARO Agency. This also served as a tribute to the beloved and dearly missed Luis Infante de Amorín, as the anniversary of his passing approaches.

Paula Gambra then took the floor, initially recalling that the bloody martyrdom of those honored on this day was the culmination of a lifetime of silent sacrifices. Her speech took on a rousing tone, particularly directed toward the Margaritas, highlighting the ways in which they can serve the Cause—whether in single life, marriage, or motherhood. She reminded those present that women are called to motherhood in all its forms, especially spiritual motherhood, which yields abundant fruits for the Common Good. She also addressed the men, emphasizing that fatherhood goes beyond material provision; it requires presence and active involvement in the daily lives of their children.

Agencia FARO