The armies of Spain are heirs and custodians of a glorious military tradition. Honoring the heroes who forged it is both a duty of gratitude and a source of inspiration for continuing their legacy. Therefore, it is the duty of the members of the Armed Forces to preserve and transmit their symbols, keeping alive the memory of all those who, through patriotism, love of their country, dedication, and sacrificial vocation, offered their lives for the greatness of Spain.

Since the Visigoth era, Spain has maintained a Marian tradition centered on the Virgin Mary, which increasingly solidified throughout the Reconquista against Islam. When the Battle of Lepanto against the Turks was fought, resulting in victory on October 7, 1571, the Spanish Tercios adopted the Virgin of the Rosary as their Patroness, praying to her and entrusting their victory to her.

The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, and declared the patroness of Spanish Infantry on November 12, 1892, by royal decree of Queen Regent María Cristina of Habsburg.

Over the years, our armies have maintained a spoken tradition about historical events, heroes, battles, and the legacy of the Tercios, among other topics. In training academies for officers and non-commissioned officers, examples of historical deeds from our military are presented in Humanities classes, Military History lessons, and discussions led by captains and officers. Sometimes, particularly passionate instructors narrate these events with greater intensity, emphasizing the significance of the occurrences and their figures. This approach equips students with moral armor to face the challenges of military life, gives them reasons to love the profession, and prepares them for the realities of war.

Thus, this knowledge encompasses the nation, flag, military traditions, and virtues—necessary to serve and love something, as understanding it is essential. The Miracle of Empel is one of the key milestones for fostering morale and patriotism. In the weeks leading up to the date of the Infantry Patroness, commemorative events and sports competitions are organized, alongside conferences and discussions about the Immaculate Conception, the events of the Miracle of Empel, and the proclamation of the Immaculate as the Patroness of our Infantry.

An important aspect of these discussions is the involvement of the chaplains (pater) of the Units and Regiments. On the Patroness’s designated day, the event is referenced in the Day Order, and a unique article is read aloud detailing the Miracle of Empel and the patronage of the Infantry.

How is the Miracle of Empel currently conveyed?

The vast majority of us have learned about the story of the Miracle of Empel as if it were a legend. The events that occurred during the Eighty Years’ War on the island of Bommel, situated between the rivers Meuse and Waal, involved the 5,000 men of the Old Tercio of Zamora, led by Field Master Francisco Arias de Bobadilla and Admiral Felipe de Hohenlohe-Neuenstein. These events unfolded in a small town between Nijmegen and Breda (on the outskirts of ‘S-Hertogenbosch, formerly known as Bolduque in Spanish).

This legend took a turn in the year 2006 when General César Muro Benayas, then director of the Infantry Academy in Toledo, received an urgent phone call during a work meeting. The General initially asked to be called back later, but the caller insisted, saying it was important to speak with him. Thinking it might be something serious, he answered the phone and heard on the other end: “My General, at your service; Empel exists, Empel exists!” This emotional declaration came from Infantry Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Moreno, known to the General and apparently his fellow countryman, who was stationed at a NATO organization in Brussels. During one of his motorcycle excursions through the Netherlands, Moreno arrived in Holland, stopped for refreshments, and asked the name of the place. He was astonished when he was told he was in Empel.

To his fascination, he was informed that nearby there was a small chapel known by locals as “the Miracle of the Spaniards.” He visited it, and as soon as he could, he called General César Muro to inform him of the discovery: “My General, Empel exists!” From that moment on, Empel ceased to be a legend and became a tangible location in our military history, with a precise geographical location and place on the map. Since then, General César Muro, with his renowned virtues—being an enthusiast of our history and the Tercios, as well as an accomplished writer—worked tirelessly to establish the Spanish Tercios Path Association, connecting Milan to Namur through the Alps. This initiative provided an extraordinary boost to the discovery, the feats of our Tercios, and the recognition of our history across Spain and Europe.

The tranquil Dutch city, near Hertogenbosch (known as Bolduque to our Tercios), soon became filled with Spanish visitors who travel there on pilgrimage. In Oud Empel (Old Empel), there is a small private estate that houses the chapel, alongside a small cemetery with the graves of soldiers. During World War II, this area was a combat zone between German and English forces, and many now rest there eternally. The Chapel of the Immaculate, along with the Parish of Saint Landelin of Empel, is a constant destination for military personnel and Spaniards who come to pay homage to the Virgin Immaculate.

Every year, around December 8th, an event is held, attended by about 150 people including civilians and military personnel. They come together to celebrate the Eucharist and to pray before the Virgin in the Chapel and in the Church of Saint Landelin of Empel. For all of us who wear the military uniform, the Miracle of Empel and all that it symbolizes is a source of inspiration in facing hard, extreme, and adverse circumstances that may arise in our daily tasks and military life. We will always hold it as a reference point to believe in the morale of victory.

We must express our deep gratitude to the Catholic Community of Empel for preserving the faith, caring for the Chapel and our Virgin Immaculate, and keeping the memory of the Spaniards alive. Our thanks also go to the Empel's Miracle Association and all its members, to the parish priest Piet de Jong, and to Paula Doorenbosch, who enchants us with her emotional songs and the Salve Regina that is sung at every Mass. We are also very grateful for their presence and for accompanying us with the Miracle of Empel banner every December 8th at our Infantry Academy in Toledo to celebrate our Patroness. Today, most Spaniards and our armies know Empel and its chapel thanks to all of them and to General César Muro Benayas, who are the true architects of its dissemination and preservation in our memory.

May the Virgin Immaculate and the Lord always bless you.

Infantry Lieutenant; José Luis Morejón Alcázar