El Milagro Del Palmar

Carlos Cano's song "El Milagro Del Palmar" is a satirical narrative that critiques the conservative and reactionary elements within the Catholic Church. The song tells the story of a supposed miracle in a small town near Seville called El Palmar, where a man named Clemente claims to have seen the Virgin Mary. The Virgin supposedly instructs Clemente to establish a new Carmelite order and to conduct all masses in Latin, reflecting a desire to return to more traditional and conservative practices within the Church.

The lyrics mock the idea that the Church has become too modern and progressive, with references to Marxist bishops and a drugged Pope. This exaggeration serves to highlight the absurdity of extreme conservative views that resist any form of modernization or change. The song also mentions various historical and political figures like Mao, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevara, symbolizing the fear of leftist ideologies infiltrating religious institutions. The character of Clemente is portrayed as gullible and easily swayed, emphasizing the irrationality of blindly following such reactionary beliefs.

The song further delves into the consequences of these actions, mentioning the involvement of Martin Ngo-Dinh Thuc, a Vietnamese archbishop who ordains numerous bishops, leading to legal troubles and excommunication by the Church. This part of the narrative underscores the chaos and division that can result from extreme conservatism and the establishment of splinter groups within religious communities. By the end of the song, Clemente has migrated to France with his congregation, symbolizing the ultimate failure and isolation of such radical movements. Through its witty and critical lyrics, "El Milagro Del Palmar" serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of embracing progress and change.