‘We are a religious militia’, teacher trainers were told, ‘and when we feel as much spiritually for the Fatherland as the Falange does, then by serving the country we shall be serving God.’

***

The principal reference point in this ‘mythic time’ was the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. For SF (and for the regime in general), this period epitomized José Antonio’s vision of past greatness and the inspiration for Spain’s future. Four historical events had particular importance: the expulsion of the Jews, the establishment of the Inquisition, the completion of the Christian Reconquest of Spain from the Moors and the authorization of Columbus’ voyage to the Indies. The Catholic Monarchs had found the solution to Spain’s problems of the past (lack of religious and national unity) and were the heralds of future glories.

***

"The foreign Christmas tree does not fit into the austere, idealistic homes of Spain…. The imagination of the Spanish child is not content with the paltry vision of a Father Christmas. He needs great processions of fine slaves from the East leading long caravans of precious cargoes."

***

But despite SF’s enthusiasm for its religious activities and commitment to the Benedictine style of worship, non-believers were accepted among staff members. The religious education classes provided a rationale and a moral base to SF’s programmes but stopped short of requiring personal faith. Trainee mandos were assessed on their religious knowledge, not the strength of their beliefs. Religious faith was not a requirement of membership of SF nor of promotion. It was acceptable to be non-practising and to admit it. At national schools, attendance in chapel was only compulsory at morning and evening prayers and Sunday Mass.

-- Women and Spanish Fascism, by Kathleen Richmond