| Source | HM35180, Mexican Inquisition papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. |
| Date | 1780-1782 |
| Contributor | Transcription: Sanjana Friedman, William B. Taylor, Karen Melvin Translation: William B. Taylor |
| Type | hechos irreligiosos |
| Coverage | Mexico Veracruz |
| Percent Completed | 100 |
Veracruz año de 1778 El señor Inquisidor Fiscal de este santo oficio contra Miguel de Zaragoza Por usar estampas dentro de los Zapatos
Santo oficio de Mexico octubre 19 del 1778 Señor Inquisidor Galante | Recorrase el rexistro en Caveza del denunciado, y con lo que resulte formados Autos, pasen al Señor Inquisidor Fiscal. [Rubric] |
Reconocido el registro en caveza de este denunciado nada resulta contra el. Napera [Rubric] | Mui Ilustre señor.d Señor. Incluio la adjunta sumaria, para que en su vista determine vuestro señor lo que convenga. La Circunstancia de ser hecha en peligro de muerte tan imminente, que se verifico a pocas horas de ella, sin averse adelantado mas, que lo expuesto por el Confesor del que la hizo, me obligo a indagar la conducta del Denunciado, y resulta de esta informacion lo que vuestro señor vera en las declaraciones, que la acompañan, no aviendome contentado con sola la del primer testigo, por saber, que el Denunciado tiene un Pleito pendiente con el Padre del declarante. El Denunciado dicen pasa a esa Corte la proxima semana, y por lo que importare, me ha parecido añadir sus señas personales, segun parece, que son, a saber cuerpo regular, Caniquileño, ceja abierta, y larga de Pelo entrecano, color blanco, ojos azules, nariz grande, y Gruesa, boca regular, con falta de algunos dientes, voz atiplada, con una señal de Carbunelo, que aun lo esta curando en la Frente, otra cruel hecha a mano sobre una uña de la una mano, y otra igual sobre la otra, Calvo, Pelicastaño entrecano, Barba Cana, mal rallado, y asiste mucho en casa de Don Juan de Griga en la Calle de San Francisco de esa Ciudad. Dios Nuestro Señor guarde a vuestro señor muchos años. Vera-Cruz 14 de Octubre de 1778. Mui Ilustre Señor A los Pies de Vuestro Señor. Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] |
| Mui Ilustre Señor; Santo Tribunal de las Inquisición de Megico. |
Sumaria en causas de Feé, contra Miguel de Zaragoza, de Oficio Platero, de nacion europeo, por la denuncia hecha contra el; de usar estampas dentro de los Zapatos. Seguida en la Comisaria de la Ciudad, y Puerto de nueba Vera-cruz, por el Comisario de el Santo Oficio en ella, Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, y por ante su Notario Fray Joseph Rivera: ratificada por su ultimo testigo en 14 de Octubre de este año de 1778. Consta de siete foxas utiles Fr. Joseph Rivera [Rubric] Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio
| Denuncia | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueba Veracruz, a diez y ocho dias de el mes de Agosto, de el año de mil setecientos setenta y ocho por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, parecio sin ser llamado, y juro en forma, que dira verdad, el Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti Clerigo Presbytero, domiciliario de este Obispado de la Puebla, Sacristan mayor de la Santa Yglesia Parroquial, de dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, y vecino de ella, de edad de treinta años; el qual por descargo de su conciencia, y licencia que obtubo, dice, y denuncia: que el dia diez y siete de el expresado mes, y año, haviendo sido llamado para confesar a un Penitente, y confesó en articulo de muerte, que se verificó; denuncia haver visto el dicho Penitente, a Don Miguel de Zaragoza, de oficio Platero, usar dentro de los Zapatos, unas Ymagenes que le parecieron de Santos; y reconvenidos, o preguntado por dicho Pentiente: si usaba estampas en los Zapatos? Respondió dicho Platero: que eran estampas Prusianas; y haviendo muerto dicho Penitente, a las dos de la mañana, de el dia siguiente diez, y ocho, de dicho mes, y año; no se pudo ni ratificar en su denuncia, ni saber el dia en que las vio. Preguntado por el Señor Comisario, dicho Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti: si tenia alguna noticia, que pudiera hacer sospechoso a el denunciado en puntos de Religion? Respondio: haver oido a varios, que es muy libre en el hablar, especialmente en asuntos relativos a el estado eclesiastico. Preguntado si se acuerda de alguno de los que le havian dicho algo de esto? Respondio: que ha oido a varios, pero que no se acuerda mas, que de un sobrino de el Señor Illustrisimo Bravo, Obispo de Durango, llamado Don Joseph Dias Bravo, que estubo recogido en casa de Don Pedro Moreno; quien le aseguró haver tenido varios pleytos, y dezasones con el dicho Zaragoza por su libertad en el hablar contra los sacerdotes. Preguntado: si se acuerda de alguna, o algunas proposiciones, que le huviera dicho el nominado Don Joseph Dias Bravo? Respondio: que no tiene presente; pero que pueden dar razon |
| Ratificacion de el que denuncia | de esto con alguna mas puntualidad, en casa de Don Joseph Carvajal de oficio Platero, que vive una puerta mas arriba de el denunciado. Y que esta es la verdad, por el Juramento que tiene hecho: y siendole leydo, dijo: que estaba bien escrito, y que no lo dice por odio: prometió el secreto, y firmo lo de su nombre. Don Doctor Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] José Francisco de Ordozgoiti Pasó ante mi Fray Joseph Rivera Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueba Veracruz, a diez y nueve dias de el mes de Agosto de el año de mil setecientos setenta y ocho por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, calificador, y comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, pareció el Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti, Clerigo Presbytero, domiciliario de este Obispado de la Puebla, Sacristan mayor de la Santa Yglesia Parroquial, de esta Ciudad, y Puerto, y vecino de ella, de edad de treinta años: el qual estando presentes por honestas y Religiosas personas, Fr. Joseph Montiel, de el Orden de Santo Domingo, y Fr. Juan Solaun de el Orden de San Francisco Presbyteros, que tienen jurado el secreto, fue recibido juramento en forma y prometio decir verdad. Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si se acuerda haver depuesto ante algun Juez, contra persona alguna sobre cosas tocantes a la Feé? Dixo: se acuerda haver dicho su dicho ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, calificador y comisario de el Santo Oficio de esta dicha Ciudad, y Puerto contra un hombre llamado Don Miguel de Zaragoza, de oficio Platero, por haverle dado licencia un Penitente que confesó en el articulo |
de la muerte que a el otro dia se verificó; quien denunció haver visto a el dicho Zaragoza, usar dentro de los Zapatos unas Ymagenes, que le parecieron de Santos; y que reconvenido por dicho Penitente; si usaba estampas en los Zapatos? respondió dicho Zaragoza: que eran estampas Prusianas: y refirió en substancia, lo en el contenido, y pidió se leyese. Fuele dicho: que se le hace saber, que el Señor Fiscal de el Santo Oficio, le presenta por testigo ad perpetuam rei memoriam, en una causa, que trata con el dicho Zaragoza; que esté atento y se leerá su dicho; y si en el huviere que alterar, añadir, ó enmendar, lo haga de manera, que en todo diga la verdad, y se afirme, y ratifique en ella; porque lo que haora digere parará perjuicio a el dicho Zaragoza Y le fue leydo de verbo ad verbum el dicho arriba contenido: y siendole leydo, y haviendole el dicho Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti dicho, que lo havia oido, y entendido, dixo: que aquello era su dicho, y el lo havia dicho, segun se lo havia leydo, y estaba bien escrito, y asentado: y no havia que alterar, añadir, ni enmendar; porque como estaba escrito era la verdad, y en ello se afirmaba, y afirmó; ratificaba, y ratificó; y si necesario era, lo decia de nuevo contra el dicho Zaragoza, no por odio; sino por descargo de su conciencia: encargosele el secreto en forma, prometiolo, y lo firmo de su nombre. José Francisco de Ordozgoiti [Rubric] Don Doctor Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Fr. Jose Montiel Pasó ante mi Fray Joseph Rivera Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio. | |
| Primero Testigo | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueva Veracruz, a diez dias de el mes de Octubre de el año de mil setecientos setenta, y ocho, por la mañana ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto pareció, siendo llamado, un hombre que dijo llamarse Joseph de los Reyes, de Oficio Platero, nativo de la Ciudad de Puebla, y de doze años a esta parte, vecino de esta Ciudad, y Puerto, de |
edad de treinta, y cinco años, casado.
Preguntado por el señor Comisario: si sabe, o presume la causa, por que ha sido llamado?
Respondió: que no sabe, ni la presume.
Preguntado:
si sabe, o ha oido decir, que alguna persona, haya dicho, o hecho cosa
alguna, que sea o paresca ser, contra nuestra Santa Feé Catolica, Ley
evangelica, que predica, y enseña la Santa Madre Iglesia Catolica
Romana, o contra recto, y libre egercicio de el Santo Oficio?
Respondio: que no sabe; ni ha oido decir cosa alguna de las que se le preguntan.
Fuele
dicho: que en este Santo Oficio, hay informacion, que en tiempos
pasados, en la calle de Santo Domingo, frente de la puerta principal de
la Yglesia; en precencia de ciertas personas, yendo uno a encender una
Lampara; cierta persona dijo algunas palabras mal sonantes; a lo qual él
se hallo presente, y lo vio, y oyó: que por reverencia de Dios recorra
bien su memoria, y diga la verdad.
Respondio: que el año
pasado de mil setecientos setenta, y siete, como quince dias antes de la
Preciosa Sangre de Cristo, pasando para la Porteria de el Convento de
Santo Domingo, a encender una Lampara, que mantiene por devocion a una
Ymagen de Jesus crucificado, que hay en dicha Porteria; Don Miguel de
Zaragoza, de oficio Platero, le dijo: que mejor fuera, que lo que
gastaba en aquella devocion, lo gastara en otras cosas; que el Cristo de
la Porteria, ¿que le havia de dar? Que tomando dicho Zaragoza a un
mozo, como de veinte y quatro, a veinte y cinco años, llamado Sebastian,
ahijado de Don Estevan de Olea, de Comercio, y vecindario de esta
Ciudad, como burlandose de el declarante, decia á el mozo: digale usted
algo, Sebastianito; el Señor de la Porteria, el Señor de la Porteria; y
que con estas mismas expresiones, como de mofa, le dio continuamente a
el declarante. Que el dia, que sucedió este pasage, el declarante se
indispuso tanto, que rompio publicamente la lymeta de el azeyte, acosado
ya de tanta mofa.
Preguntado: si huvo otros, que oyeran dicha proposicion?
cial de el dicho Zaragoza, y lo imita en la libertad de la lengua: que lo oyó tambien otro aprendiz de el mismo Zaragoza, que haora anda por tierra adentro.
Preguntado: si dicho Zaragoza es libre en hablar?
Respondio: que para el no hai Sacerdote, que no este amancebado: que su voto frequente es, por la corona de la Virgen; y que es tan desbocado, que muchos lo tenido por Fragmazon.
Preguntado: quienes lo han tenido por Fragmazon?
Respondio: que lo ha oido a varios; y que por lo relativo a su desenfreno de hablar, puede ser testigo un Oficial de el Maestro Gregorio Zalazar, llamado Joseph Ignacio Sanz Rico, que aprendió oficio con el dicho Zaragoza.
Preguntado: si sabe algo mas, que pueda hacer sosphechoso a el dicho Zaragoza en punto de Religion?
Respondio: que hará como seis años, que lo nota, como lo han notado otros varios, que no cumple con la Yglesia. Que hace como dos años, que se le obserba, que oye Misa los dias Festivos, aunque con poca devocion; pero que antes de este tiempo, ni los dias Festivos se le veia en la Yglesia. Que se le ha obserbado, que de parte de noche, aunque sale a la Calle, a la Calzada de su puerta a rezar el Rosario, lo reza con las manos puestas atrás; de suerte, que el Rosario cae sobre la parta prepostera; y que esta postura conserva hasta concluirlo. Que a los Sacerdotes los trata de picaros, y brebiones, igualmente, que a qualquiera otra persona, sea, o no sea de honor.
Preguntado: si se acuerda, quienes otros han notado lo de el Rosario, la falta de cumplimiento de Yglesia, y de asistir a las Misas los dias Festivos?
Respondió: que lo de el Rosario, dará razon Don Nicolas Micón de Oficio Platero; y que de lo demas le parece puede darla igualmente.
Preguntado: si sabia, o havia visto, si el dicho Zaragoza havia alguna ocacion despreciado, o conculcado Ymagenes?
Respondió: que no lo sabia, ni havia visto: y que esta es la verdad por el Juramento que tiene hecho; y siendole leydo, dijo: que estaba bien escrito; y que no lo decia por odio: prometió el secreto, y firmolo de su nombre.
Doctor Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Joseph Reyes
Pasó ante mi.
Fr. Joseph Rivera
Notario Revisidor y expurgador de el Santo Oficio
| Ratificacion de el Primero Testigo | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueva Veracruz a doce dias de el mes de Octubre de el año de mil setecientos setenta, y ocho por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio, de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto pareció Joseph de los Reyes, de estado casado, de oficio Platero, nativo de la Ciudad de la Puebla, y de doce años a esta parte vecino de esta Ciudad, y Puerto, de edad de treinta y cinco años: el qual estando presentes por honestas, y Religiosas personas, Fr. Joseph Montiel de el orden de Santo Domingo, y Fr. Juan Solaun, de el Orden de San Francisco, Presbyteros, que tienen jurado el secreto, fue recibido juramento en forma, y prometió decir verdad. Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si se acuerda haver depuesto ante algun Juez, contra persona alguna sobre cosas tocantes a la Feé? Dijo: se acuerda haver dicho su dicho ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de esta dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, contra un hombre llamado Don Miguel de Zaragoza, de Oficio Platero: por haverle dicho á el tiempo, que iba a encender una Lampara a un Señor Crucifijo, que se venera en la Porteria de Santo Domingo: que mejor fuera, que lo que gastaba en aquella devocion, lo gastara en otras cosas; que el Cristo de la Porteria, que le havia de dar? Y que despues para hacerle mofa, le dijo el dicho Zaragoza, a un mozo llamado Sebastian: digale usted algo Sebastianito; el Señor de la Porteria, el Señor de la Porteria; y tambien, por haverle oido blasfemias: no cumplir con la Yglesia: obserbarle, que poco ha oye Misa solo en los dias Festivos, aunque sin devocion; y haverle visto, que aunque de noche reza el Rosario, es con las manos atrás, de suerte, que el Rosario lo tiene en la parte prepostera: y refirió en substancia lo en el contenido, y pidió se leyese. Fuele dicho; que se le hace saber, que el Señor Fiscal de el Santo Oficio le presenta por testigo ad perpetuam rei memoriam en una causa, que trata con el dicho Zaragoza, que esté atento, y se leerá su dicho; y si el huviere que alterar, añadir, o enmendar, lo haga de manera, que en todo diga la verdad, y se afirme, y ratifique en ella; porque lo que |
haora digere parará perjuicio a el dicho Zaragoza.
Joseph Reyes Fr. Juan Antonio de Solaun
| |
Segundo Testigo | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueba Veracruz a once dias de el mes de Octubre, de el año de mil setecientos setenta, y ocho, por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, pareció, siendo llamado, y juró en forma, que dira verdad, un hombre, que dijo llamarse Joseph Ygnacio Xavier Sanz-Rico, de oficio Platero, nativo, y vecino de esta Ciudad, de edad de veinte años, Soltero. Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si sabe, ó presume la causa por que ha sido llamado? Respondió: que no sabe, ni la presume. Preguntado: si sabe, ó ha oido decir, que alguna persona haya dicho, ó hecho cosa alguna, que sea, ó paresca ser contra nuestra Santa Feé Catolica, Ley Evangelica, que predica, y enseña la Santa Madre Yglesia Catolica Romana, ó contra el recto, y libre egercicio de el Santo Oficio? Respondió: que no sabe, ni ha oido cosa alguna de las que se le preguntan. Preguntado: si sabe, ó ha oido decir, que alguna persona haya dicho algunas palabras contra la YImagen de Jesus |
Crucificado, ó haya hecho alguna otra cosa contra nuestra Santa Feé?
Respondió: que se acuerda, que por el año pasado de mil setecientos setenta y siete, como quince dias antes de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo, yendo el Platero Reyes a la Porteria de Santo Domingo, á encender una Lampara á una Ymagen de Cristo, que hay en dicha Porteria; el Platero Zaragoza, dijo en precencia de un mozo llamado Sebastian: que seria mejor, que lo que el dicho Reyes gastaba en esto, lo gastara en su Muger.
Preguntado: si añadió; que qué le podia dar el Cristo de la Porteria?
Respondió: que eso no lo oyó.
Preguntado: si aunque no fuese entonces, se lo oyó en alguna otra ocacion?
Respondió: que no.
Preguntado: si sabe algo mas, que pueda hacer sospechoso á el dicho Zaragoza en punto de Religion?
Respondió: que en el cumplimiento de Yglesia era tardío, y casi a los fines de el tiempo. Que ignora si se confesaba, y si oía Misa. Que el modo de rezar el Rosario era llebandolo frequentemente por detrás. Que por la cosa mas ligera, rompia en blasfemias de esta, ó semejante naturaleza: por vida de Dios, por la corona de la Santisima Trinidad, de la Virgen; voto á Dios. Que quando se enfadaba con un Negrillo, que tenia, solia añadir á estas expresiones, la de que lo castigaría. Que teniendo un pleyto con el Platero Reyes, dijo: que dejaria primero la Ley de Dios, que dejarse de vengar de el. Que quando solian repicar en la Iglesia de Santo Domingo, se le oyó decir: que aquellos Religiosos eran una canalla. Que siempre que repicaban en la dicha Yglesia, se enfadaba, y solia proferir esta maldicion: malditas sean las campanas, y quien manda repicarlas; con otras especies semejantes.
Preguntado si sabia o havia visto que el dicho Zaragoza havia alguna ocacion, despreciado, ó conculcado Ymagenes?
Respondió: que no lo sabia, ni havia visto: y que esta es la
verdad por el juramento, que tiene hecho; y siendole leydo, dijo que estaba bien escrito; y que no lo decia por odio: prometió el secreto y firmolo de su nombre, el Señor Comisario por no saber el conteste. Doctor Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Pasó ante mi Fr. Joseph Rivera Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio | |
Ratificacion de el Segundo Testigo | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueba Veracruz a trece dias de el mes de Octubre de el año de mil setecientos setenta, y ocho por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, pareció Joseph Ygnacio Xavier Sanz-Rico, de estado Soltero, de oficio Platero, nativo y vecino de esta Ciudad, de edad de veinte años: el qual estando presentes por honestas y Religiosas personas Fray Joseph Montiel, de el Orden de Santo Domingo, y Fray Juan Solaun, de el orden de San Francisco, Presbyteros, que tienen jurado el secreto, fue recibido juramento en forma y prometió decir verdad. Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si se acuerda haver depuesto ante algun Juez, contra persona alguna, sobre cosas tocantes á la Feé? |
Por haverle oido varias ocaciones blasfemias. Por haverle oido decir a el dicho Zaragoza, á tiempo que tenia un pleyto con el Platero Reyes: que primero dejaria la Ley de Dios, que dejarse de vengar de el: y por haverle oido maldiciones contra las Campanas, y Religiosos de Santo Domingo, siempre que en el Convento se repicaba: y refirió en substancia lo en el contenido, y pidió se leyese.
| |
| Tercero Testigo | En la Ciudad y Puerto de la nueva Veracruz á doce dias de el mes de Octubre de el año de mil setecientos |
setenta, y ocho, por la mañana ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, pareció siendo llamado; un hombre, que dijo llamarse Nicolas Micón, de Oficio Platero, nativo de la Villa de Orizava, y de diez años a esta parte, vecino de esta Ciudad, y Puerto de edad de quarenta años, Soltero.
Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si sabe, o presume la causa porque ha sido llamado?
Respondió: que no sabe, ni la presume.
Preguntado: si sabe, o ha oido decir, que alguna persona haya dicho, o hecho cosa alguna, que sea o paresca ser, contra nuestra Santa Fee Catolica, Ley Evangelica, que predica, y enseña la Santa Madre Iglesia Catolica Romana, o contra el recto y libre egercicio de el Santo Oficio?
Respondió: que no sabe, ni ha oido decir cosa alguna de las que se le preguntan.
Fuele dicho: que en este Santo Oficio, hay informacion, que de parte de noche, sale a la calle a la Calzada de su Casa, cierta persona, a rezar el Rosario, y que este lo reza con las manos puestas por detrás; a lo qual el se halló presente, y lo vió; que por reverencia de Dios, recorra bien su memoria, y diga la verdad.
Respondió: que sí, ha observado en Don Miguel Zaragoza, que su modo ordinario de rezar el Rosario, es con las manos atrás, de suerte que el Rosario cae sobre la parte prepostera.
Preguntado: si le ha notado a el dicho Zaragoza alguna cosa que lo haga sospechoso en punto de Religion?
Respondió: que lo que se le ha obserbado es, frequentar poco las Iglesias. Que quando repicar en el Convento de Santo Domingo, se indispone. Que hablando de los Religiosos, se ha dejado decir; que son unos bribones, y que toman los Habitos, por asegurar que comer.
Preguntado: si el dicho Zaragoza, oye Misa en los dias Festivos, y asiste a ella con devocion, y postura religiosa?
Respondió: que si.
Preguntado: si sabe, que dicho Zaragoza haya pasado algun
tiempo, sin cumplir con la Iglesia? Respondió: que si lo ha hecho, le parece que será con poca disposicion. Preguntado: si en punto de veneracion de Imagenes, se le ha obserbado a el dicho Zaragoza, alguna cosa, que induzca sospecha? Respondió: que haora como siete, u ocho meses, segun le parece, oyó que dicho Zaragoza mofaba a un Platero llamado Joseph Reyes; porque iba a encender una luz, que mantiene por devocion, delante de un Crucifijo, que se venera en la Porteria de Santo Domingo, y que algunas veces ha dicho: que sería mejor, que atendiera a sus obligaciones que a el Señor de la Porteria: y que esta es la verdad por el Juramento que tiene hecho; y siendole leydo, dijo: que estaba bien escrito; y que no lo dice por odio: prometió el secreto, y firmolo de su nombre. Doctor Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
Pasó ante mi Fr. Joseph Rivera Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio | |
| Ratificacion de el Tercero Testigo | En la Ciudad, y Puerto de la nueba Veracruz a catorce dias de el mes de Octubre, de el año de mil setecientos setenta, y ocho, por la mañana, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio de la dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, pareció Nicolas Micón, de estado Soltero, de Oficio Platero, nativo de la Villa de Orizava, y de diez annos a esta parte, vecino de esta dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, de edad de quarenta años: el qual estando presentes por honestas, y Religiosas personas Fr. Joseph Montiel, de el orden de Santo Domingo, y Fr. Juan Solaun, de el Orden de San Francisco, Presbyteros, que tienen jurado el |
secreto, fue recibido juramento en forma, y prometió decir verdad.
Preguntado por el Señor Comisario: si se acuerda haver depuesto ante algun Juez, contra persona alguna, sobre cosas tocantes a la Feé?
Dijo: se acuerda haver dicho su dicho, ante el Señor Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Calificador, y Comisario de el Santo Oficio, de esta dicha Ciudad, y Puerto, contra un hombre, llamado Don Miguel de Zaragoza, de oficio Platero; por haverlo visto, que su modo ordinario de rezar el Rosario, es con las manos atrás, de suerte, que el Rosario cae sobre la parte prepostera. Por haverle obserbado la poca frequencia en las Iglesias. Por la indisposicion, que tiene quando repican en la Iglesia de Santo Domingo, diciendo de los Religiosos, que son bribones, y que toman el Habito, por asegurar que comer. Por parecerle, que si ha cumplido con la Iglesia, será con poca disposicion; y por haverle oido mofar a un Platero, llamado Joseph de los Reyes, porque iba a encender una luz, que mantiene por devocion delante de un crucifijo, que se venera en la Porteria de Santo Domingo; y haver dicho algunas ocaciones: que seria mejor, que atendiera a sus obligaciones, que a el Señor de la Porteria: y refirió en substancia lo en el contenido, y pidió se leyese.
Fuele dicho: que se le hace saber, que el Señor Fiscal de el Santo Oficio le presenta por testigo ad perpetuam rei memoriam, en una causa, que trata con el dicho Zaragoza, que esté atento, y se leerá su dicho; y si en el huviere que alterar, añadir, o enmendar, lo haga de manera, que en todo diga la verdad, y se afirme, y ratifique en ella; porque lo que haora digere parará perjuicio a el dicho Zaragoza.
que aquello era su dicho, y es lo havia dicho, segun se lo havia leydo, y estaba bien escrito, y asentado; y no havia que alterar, añadir, ni enmendar; porque como estaba escrito era la verdad, y en ello se afirmaba, y afirmó; ratificaba, y ratificó; y si necesario era, lo decia de nuevo contra el dicho Zaragoza, no por odio; sino por descargo de conciencia: encargosele el secreto en forma, prometiolo, y lo firmó de su nombre. tex.do(?) = diez = vale.
Doctor Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Nicolas Micon
Fr Jose Montiel
Fr Juan Antonio de Solaun
Pasó ante mi
Fr. Joseph Rivera
Notario, Revisor, y Expurgador de el Santo Oficio
Illustrisimo Señor El Inquisidor fiscal: en vista de la denuncia contra Miguel de Zaragoza, de oficio Platero en Veracruz, por usar estampas dentro de los Zapatos, y demas que expresan los testigos de blasfemias, menosprecio de actos piadosos, culto y veneracion de la Imagen de Nuestro Señor Jesuchristo Crucificado, digo: que atendido el contesto, y circunstancias de las declaraciones, y sujetos que las producen, no hai meritos para la secuela de esta Causa, hasta mayor Prueba: en cuyos terminos V.Y. se a de servir mandar que por ahora paren los Autos a su Letra. Ynquisicion de Mexico 22 de Octubre de 1778. D. Mier [rubric]
| Presentado en 3 de Julio de 1782 Señor Inquisidor Mier solo. / | |
[Pidanse los informes al Pre-]fecto de carceles con expresion de las señas personales, que expone en su carta el Comisario de Veracruz por si son conformes a las de Miguel Sobradier reo deste Santo Oficio y preso en la Acordada; y que se informe de si este asistia en casa de dn. Juan de Eziga, y si ha tenido el oficio de platero en Veracruz. [Rubric] | llustrisimo Señor El Inquisidor Fiscal en los Autos contra Miguel Sobradiel natural de Zaragoza, dice que despues de haberle puesto Clamosa, recorriendo con otro obgeto el Libro de apuntes de su Oficio ha hallado anotado en el que se comenzó, y suspendió Sumaria por hechos irreligiosos contra un Don Miguel de Zaragoza, europeo en el año de 78, y pudiendose dudar si el de Zaragoza es apellido, o naturaleza, y consiguientemente si es uno mismo el reo de ambas Sumarias, sin perjuicio de la prision que contra aquel tengo pedida, lo hago presente a V.S.Y. para que si no Juzgare desestimable esta reflexion, respecto a que en el informe del Comisario de Veracruz fho [hecho] a 14 de Octubre de 78 se expresan con la mayor individualidad las señas personales de este, se sirva mandar o al Comisario de Corte, o a un Oficio al del Secreto que pasando a la Acordada se informe de las señas personales de aquel, y si convienen con las que expresa el Comsario de Veracruz; y de si el reo que esta en la Acordada ha sido oficial de platero en Veracruz; si ha frecuentado en la Calle de San Francisco de esta ciudad la casa de Don Juan de Eziga; y lo demas que V.S.Y. Juzgue cov.te(?) para averiguar la identidad, o diferencia de ambos reos: sobre lo qual V.S.Y. como siempre providenciara lo mejor, Secreto de la Inquisicion de Mexico a 3 de Julio de 1782.
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Santo Oficio de Mexico Octubre 22 del 1778 Señor Inquisidor Galante | Como pide el Señor Inquisidor Fiscal [Rubric] |
Veracruz, in the year 1778
The Inquisitorial Prosecutor of this Holy Office
against
Miguel de Zaragoza
For using [religious] prints in his shoes
| Holy Office of Mexico October 19, 1778 Lord Inquisitor Galante |
Check the archival register under the name of the accused for any proceedings undertaken and transmit them to the Inquisidor Fiscal[Rubric] |
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Reviewing the archival register under the name of the accused, there is nothing against him. Napera [Rubric] |
Sir. I enclose the attached summary so that you may determine what is appropriate. The circumstance of the accuser being in danger of imminent death, within hours of it, without being able to advance the case further left me to investigate the conduct of the accused. You will find the results of this investigation in the declarations that accompany it, not limiting myself to only the first witness since the accused has a lawsuit pending against the father of the witness. They say that the accused is coming to this seat of government [Mexico City] next week, and for what it is worth it has seemed appropriate to me to add aspects of his personal appearance, that is that he is of average build, caniquileño [round like a marble?], open eyebrows hairy streaked with gray, white skin, blue eyes, large, thick nose, average mouth with a few teeth missing, high-pitched voice, with evidence of a carbuncle on his forehead that is still healing, another nasty sore under the fingernail of one hand and another one on the other hand, bald, brown hair streaked with gray [on his body?], ill-kempt gray beard. He is often found in the home of Don Juan de Eziga on San Francisco Street in this city.
May God our Lord keep you many years. Veracruz, 14 October 1778.
Very Illustrious Sir
[I kneel] at Your Feet
Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] |
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Very Illustrious Sir(s): Holy Office of the Inquisition of Mexico |
Summary in cases of the Faith, against Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith, European, for the complaint lodged against him of using [religious] prints in his shoes. Proceedings in the comissariat of the city and port of new Veracruz by the commissary of the Holy Office there, Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, before his notary Fray Joseph Rivera. Ratified by its last witness on October 14 of this year 1778.
It consists of seven leaves
Fr. Joseph Rivera [Rubric]
Notary, auditor, and expurgator [censor]
of this Holy Office|
Accusation |
In the city and port of new Veracruz, on the morning of August 18, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, censor and commisary of the Holy Office in the said city and port, appeared Br. Don Joseph Ordosguiti, presbyter residing in this Diocese of Puebla, chief sacristan of the parish church of said city and port, and resident of it, thirty years of age. In order to unburden his conscience and fulfill his license [as a presbyter] he says and denounces that on the seventeenth of this month and year he was called to confess a penitent in the throes of death, which he did. The said penitent accused Don Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith, of using in his shoes certain images that appeared to be saints; and when the said penitent reproached or questioned him about whether he used prints in his shoes, the said silversmith replied that they were Prussian prints. And the said penitent having died at two the following morning of the eighteenth of said month and year, it was not possible to ratify his accusation or determine the date on which he saw them [the prints].
The commisary asked the aforementioned Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti if he had any information that casts doubt on the accused in matters of religion. He responded that he has heard several people say that he is very free in his manner of speaking, especially concerning the ecclesiastical state. Asked if he could recall any of those who had said something of the sort, he responded that he had heard several people, but cannot remember any except a nephew of the Most Illustrious Sr. Bravo, Bishop of Durango, whose full name is Don Joseph Dias Bravo, when he was lodging in the home of Don Pedro Moreno, who assured him that various arguments and unpleasantness with the aforementioned Zaragoza took place as a result of his liberties in speaking against priests. Asked if he recalls any or more propositions that he [Zaragoza] may have said to the aforementioned Don Joseph Dias Bravo, he replied that he could not recall any, but that others in the household of Don Joseph Carvajal, silversmith, who lives one floor above the accused could give an accounting |
| Ratification by the accuser | of this with greater precision. And that this is the truth, by the oath he has taken. And it being read out to him, he said that it was accurately written and that he does not say it out of hatred. He promised to maintain secrecy and he signed in his name
Don Doctor Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Jose Francisco de Ordozgoiti
It came before me Fray Joseph Rivera Notary, auditor, and censor of the Holy Office
Ratification by the accuser
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of August 19, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, commisary and officer of the Holy Office of said city and port, presbyter Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti appeared. He is a resident of this diocese of Puebla, chief sacristan of the Holy Parochial Church of this city and port, and resident here, thirty years of age. In the presence of honest members of religious orders, Fr. Joseph Montiel of the Order of St. Dominic and Fr. Juan Solaun of the Order of St. Francis, presbyters who have taken an oath of secrecy, his [Ordosgoiti’s] sworn statement promising to be truthful was taken. Asked by the commisary if he recalls having been deposed before a judge against any person concerning things related to the Faith He said: he recalled having done so before Sr. Doctor Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, officer and commisary of the Holy Office of this said city and port against a man named Don Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith, as a result of having received permission from a penitent who confessed on the brink
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of death, which came to pass the next day. He accused the said Zaragoza, having seen him use some images in his shoes that appeared to be saints. And when the said penitent confronted him about whether he used prints in his shoes, the said Zaragoza replied that they were Prussian prints. And he [the accuser] referred in substance to his accusation and asked that it be read to him. He was told that he was being made aware that the Fiscal of the Holy Office was presenting him as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam [that it be remembered in perpetuity] in a case concerning the said Zaragoza, and that he should pay attention and read what he had said. If there is anything to change, add, or amend, he should do so in a way that is totally truthful, and affirm and ratify it, because what he may say now could be prejudicial to the said Zaragoza. And what is said above was read to him de verbo ad verbum [word for word]; and having been read to the said Br. Don Joseph Ordosgoiti, and heard and understood, he said that that what was read was what he had said, and it was accurate as set down, and he had nothing to change, add, or amend because what was written was the truth, and he affirmed, was ratifying, and ratified. And if need be, he spoke again against the said Zaragoza, not from hatred but to unburden his conscience. He was instructed to maintain secrecy [in this matter], and he promised to do so, and signed in his name.
Jose Francisco de Ordozgoiti [Rubric] Don Doctor Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
Fr. Jose Montiel Fr. Juan Antonio de Solaun [Rubric]
It came before me Fray Joseph Rivera Notary, inspector and expurgator of the Holy Office | |
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First Witness |
In the city and port of nueva Veracruz, on the morning of October 10, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, officer and commissary of the Holy Office in the said city and port, a man was summoned who said his name is Joseph de los Reyes, a silversmith by trade, native of the city of Puebla, resident of this city and port for the past twelve years. He is |
thirty-five years old, and married.
Asked by the commissary if he knows or presumes to know the reason for being summoned, he responded that he neither knows nor presumes to know.
Asked if he knows or has heard that someone may have said or done something that may be or seems to be against our Holy Catholic Faith and Divine Law that the Holy Mother Roman Catholic Church preaches and teaches, or against the correct and free exercise [of its duties] by the Holy Office, he replied that he does not know nor has he heard anything of what is asked.
He was told that in this Holy Office there is information that in the past in Santo Domingo Street in front of the main door of the church, in the presence of certain individuals, while one of them was going to light a lamp a certain person said some offensive words, to which he [the witness] was present and saw and heard it. In reverence for God he should search his memory well and say the truth.
He responded that in 1777, about fifteen days before the feast of the Precious Blood of Christ, passing by the entryway to the Convent of Santo Domingo in order to light a lamp that is kept there in devotion to a image of the crucified Jesus, Don Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith by trade, said to him: that what he spends on that devotion would be better spent on other things, that what was this Cristo de la Portería going to do for him? The said Zaragoza had with him a young man about twenty-four or twenty-five years old named Sebastian, the adopted son of Don Estevan de Olea, a businessman and resident of this city. In order to make fun of the witness, he said to the young man: “Say something, Sebastianito, [say] el Señor de la Portería, el Señor de la Portería.” And he kept saying these same expressions to the witness in order to mock him. The day after this encounter the witness was so upset that he publicly broke the flask with the oil [for the lamp], fed up with all the mockery.
Asked if others heard the said declaration, he replied that the said young man, Sebastian, who is
an apprentice of the said Zaragoza, who imitates Zaragoza’s loose tongue, heard it, as did another apprentice of Zaragoza’s who is now somewhere in tierra adentro [northern Mexico].
Asked if the said Zaragoza takes liberties in his manner of speaking, he responded that for him all priests live in concubinage, that his frequent vow is to the Virgin’s crown, and that he is so foul-mouthed that many consider him a Freemason.
Asked who takes him to be a Freemason, he replied that he had heard various people say so, and as for his unrestrained way of speaking, an employee of Master Gregorio Salazar named Joseph Ignacio Sanz Rico, who learned the trade with the said Zaragoza, can testify.
Asked if he knows anything else suspicious about the said Zaragoza in matters of religion, he replied that about six years ago he notice, as others have noticed, that he does not fulfill his Easter Duty. For the last two years he noticed that he [Zaragoza] hears Mass on Holy Days but with little devotion, and before then not even on Holy Days was he seen in church. He has observed that at nightfall even that he goes outside on the street in front of his house to pray the Rosary, he prays it with his hands behind him so that the Rosary falls over his posterior, and he stands this way until completing it. He treats priests as picaros and rascals, the same as any other person, whether or not they are honorable.
Asked if he recalls who else noticed this matter of the Rosary, the failure to do the Easter Duty and attend Mass on Holy Days, he replied that about the Rosary Don Nicolas Micon, silversmith, can testify; and he can testify, too, about the rest.
Asked if he knew or had seen whether the said Zaragoza had on some occasion demeaned or trampled on [religious] images, he replied that he did not know, nor had he ever seen [this], and that this is the truth under the oath he has taken. And it being read back to him, he said that it was accurate and that he did not say it out of hatred. He promised to maintain secrecy, and he signed in his name.
Dr. Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
Joseph Reyes
It came before me,
Fr. Joseph Rivera
Notary, inspector, and auditor of the Holy Office
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Ratification by the first witness |
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of October 12, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, auditor and commissary of the Holy Office in the said city and port, appeared Joseph de los Reyes, a married silversmith, native of the city of Puebla and twelve years a resident of this city and port, thirty-five years old. Present were the honest and devout personages, Fray Joseph Montiel of the Order of St. Dominic and Fray Juan Solaun of the Order of St. Francis, presbyters who were sworn to secrecy. He took the customary oath and promised to tell the truth. Asked by the commissary if he recalls having deposed before any judge against any person concerning matters related to the Faith, he said that he recalls having spoken about the aforesaid before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, auditor and commissary of the Holy Office of this said city and port against a man named Don Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith, for saying to him as he was about to light a lamp before a figure of the Crucified Christ that is venerated in the entryway of Santo Domingo that it would be better that he spend on other things what we was spending on that devotion, that what was the Cristo de la Portería going to give him? And, to ridicule him, the aforementioned Zaragoza said to a young man named Sebastian, “say something Sebastianito: the Lord of the Portería, the Lord of the Portería.” And also he heard that he committed blasphemies: not fulfilling the Easter Duty; noticing that he rarely hears Mass, and then only on Holy Days and without devotion; and seeing that at night even though he prays the Rosary, he does it with his hands behind him so that the Rosary falls over his posterior. And he reiterated in substance his testimony, and asked that it be read out. He was told that he should be aware that the Fiscal of the Holy Office is presenting him as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam [for perpetual memory of the matter] in a case concerning the aforementioned Zaragoza, that he should pay close attention to the reading of his testimony, and if anything ought to changed, added, or amended, he should do it in a manner that is completely truthful, and affirm it and ratify it because what |
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he may say now could be prejudicial to the aforementioned Zaragoza. And the abovementioned record was read to him de verbo ad verbum [word for word]; and it having been read to him, and the aforementioned Reyes having said that he had heard and understood, he said that it was what he said, and that all he had said was true as it was written down, and there was nothing to change, add, or amend because it was true as written, and so he affirmed and ratified. And if it was necessary, he would say it again against the aforementioned Zaragoza, not from hatred but to clear his conscience. He was charged in the customary way to maintain secrecy, which he promised to do, and he signed it with his name.
Dr. Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
Joseph Reyes
Fr. Jose Montiel
Fr. Juan Antonio de Solaun
It came before me Fr. Joseph Rivera Notary, Auditor, and Censor of the Holy Office | |
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Second witness |
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of October 11, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of the said city and port, appeared as ordered a man who said his name is Joseph Ygnacio Xavier Sanz-Rico, silversmith by trade, native and resident of this city, twenty years old and a bachelor. He swore in the customary way to tell the truth. Asked by the Commissary if he knows or presumes the reason he has been summoned, he responded he does not know or presume to know. Asked if he knows or had heard that some person has say or done anything that is or seems to be against our Holy Catholic Faith [or] the Divine Law that the Holy Mother Roman Catholic Church preaches and teaches, or against the correct and unimpeded exercise of the Holy Office[‘s duties], he replied that he does not know, nor has he heard anything about these matters. Asked if he knows or has heard that any person has said some words against the image of Jesus |
Crucified, or has done anything else against our Holy Faith, he replied that he remembers that last year, 1777, about two weeks before the Day of Precious Blood of Christ, as the silversmith Reyes was going to the entryway of the Santo Domingo convent to light a lamp to an image of Christ that is located there in the said entryway, silversmith Zaragoza said in the presence of a young man named Sebastian that it would be better for Reyes to spend his money on his wife than on this.
Asked if he [Zaragoza] added what could Cristo de la Portería do for him [Reyes], he replied that he did not hear it.
Asked whether, even if it was not on this occasion, he had heard him say it on another occasion, he replied no.
Asked if he knows anything else that might put the aforementioned Zaragoza under suspicion in a matter of religion, he replied that he was late in meeting the Easter Duty, and almost at the very end of the allotted time; that his way of praising the Rosary was to often carry it behind him; that over the slightest matter he would burst out in blasphemies of this or similar kind: by the life of God; by the crown of the Most Holy Trinity [or] of the Virgin; I swear to God. When he became angry with his black boy, he used to add to these expressions that he would punish him. When he had a dispute with the silversmith Reyes, he said: that he would first give up the Law of God than leave off taking revenge on him. When the bells of the Santo Domingo church were being rung he became angry and was in the habit of uttering this curse: damn the bells and whoever has them rung. [He uttered] other similar things.
Asked if he knew or had seen on some occasion the said Zaragoza scorn or abuse Images, he replied that he knew nothing of this, or seen anything. And this is the
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truth under oath about what he has done. And this being read back to him, he said it was accurate, and that he did not say it out of hatred. He promised to maintain secrecy, and the commissary signed it in his name because the witness does not know how to do so.
Doctor Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
It came before me Fr. Joseph Rivera Notary, Auditor, and Censor of the Holy Office | |
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Ratification by the second witness |
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of October 13, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of the aforementioned city and port, appeared Joseph Ygnacio Xavier Sanz-Rico, bachelor, silversmith by trade, native and resident of this city, twenty years old. Also present were the honest and religious individuals, Fray Joseph Montiel of the Order of St. Dominic, and Fray Juan Solaun of the Order of St. Francis, presbyters, who are sworn to secrecy. He [Sanz-Rico] swore in the customary way to tell the truth. Asked by the commissary if he recalls having deposed before a judge against anyone in matters relating to the Faith, he said that he recalls having testified before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of this said city and port against a man named Don Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith, for having noticed when silversmith Reyes was going to light a lamp before an image of Christ located in the entryway of Santo Domingo [convent] that silversmith Zaragoza said to him that what he [Reyes] spent on this would be better spent on his wife; and also that the aforementioned Zaragoza was late in fulfilling his Easter Duty, that his way of praying the Rosary was to carry it behind him. |
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He heard him utter blasphemies on various occasions; heard the aforementioned Zaragoza say at the time he had an argument with silversmith Reyes that he would first abandon the Law of God than not take revenge on him; and heard him make various curses against the bells and friars of Santo Domingo whenever the convent rang the bells. And he reiterated in substance his testimony, and asked that it be read out. He was told that he should be aware that the Fiscal of the Holy Office is presenting him as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam [for perpetual memory of the matter] in a case concerning the aforementioned Zaragoza, that he should pay close attention to the reading of his testimony, and if anything ought to be changed, added, or amended, he should do it in a manner that is completely truthful, and affirm it and ratify it because whathe may say now could be prejudicial to the aforementioned Zaragoza. And the abovementioned record was read to him de verbo ad verbum [word for word]; and it having been read to him, and the aforementioned Joseph Ygnacio Sanz-Rico having said that he had heard and understood, he said that it was what he said, and that all he had said was trued as it was written down, and there was
nothing to change, add, or amend because it was true as written, and so he affirmed and ratified. And if it were necessary, he would say it again against the aforementioned Zaragoza, not from hatred but to clear his conscience. He was charged in the customary way to maintain secrecy, which he promised to do, and the commisary signed in his name because the witness does not know how.
Dr. Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
Joseph Reyes
Fr. Jose Montiel
Fr. Juan Antonio de Solaun
It came before me Fr. Joseph Rivera Notary, Auditor, and Censor of the Holy Office | |
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Third witness |
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of October 12, 1778, |
before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of said city and port, a man was summoned by the name of Nicolas Micon, silversmith by trade, native of the city of Orizava, resident in this city and port for the past ten years, forty years of age, a bachelor.
Asked by the Commissary if he knows or presumes to know why he has been summoned, he responded he does not know or presume to know.
Asked if he knows or had heard that some person has say or done anything that is or seems to be against our Holy Catholic Faith [or] the Divine Law that the Holy Mother Roman Catholic Church preaches and teaches, or against the correct and unimpeded exercise of the Holy Office[‘s duties], he replied that he does not know, nor has he heard anything about these matters.
He was advised that in this Holy Office there is information that at night an individual goes out into the road in front of his house to pray the Rosary, and that this individual prays it with his hands behind him, and that he [the witness] was present and saw this. Out of reverence for God he should search his memory well and tell the truth.
[The witness] replied that yes, he had observed Don Miguel Zaragoza and that his usual way of praying the Rosary was with his hands behind him so that the Rosary fell over his posterior.
Asked if he has noticed anything about the aforementioned Zaragoza that is suspicious in the matter of religion, he replied that what he has observed is that he rarely frequents churches; that when the bells of the convent of Santo Domingo are rung he becomes annoyed; in speaking about friars he has said that they are rogues and that they take the habit in order to assure themselves of a meal.
Asked if the aforementioned Zaragoza hears Mass on holy days and attends devoutly and in a religious demeanor, he answered yes.
Asked if the aforementioned Zaragoza has gone some
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time without fulfilling the Easter Duty, he answers that yes he has complied, [but] apparently with little alacrity.
Asked if he has observed anything about Zaragoza with regard to veneration of images that arouses suspicion, he responded that about seven or eight months ago he heard that the aforementioned Zaragoza mocked a silversmith named Joseph Reyes because he was going to light a lamp that he devoutly maintains before a Crucifix venerated in the entryway to the Santo Domingo convent, and that sometimes he has said that it would be better to attend to one’s obligations than to the Lord of the Portería. And what he has said is the sworn truth. Read back to him, he said that it was correct and that he does not say it from hatred. He promised to maintain secrecy, and he signed it with his name.
Dr. Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric]
It came before me Fr. Joseph Rivera Notary, Auditor, and Censor of the Holy Office | |
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Ratification by the third witness |
In the city and port of new Veracruz on the morning of October 14, 1778, before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of the aforementioned city and port, appeared Nicolas Micon, bachelor, silversmith by trade, native of the city of Orizava, resident in this city and port for ten years, forty years old. Also present were the honest and religious individuals, Fray Joseph Montiel of the Order of St. Dominic, and Fray Juan Solaun of the Order of St. Francis, presbyters, who are sworn |
to secrecy. He [Micon] swore in the customary way to tell the truth.
Asked by the commissary if he recalled having deposed before a judge against any person concerning matters touching on the Faith, he answered that he remembers having done so before Dr. Don Joseph Maria Lazo de la Vega, Auditor and Commissary of the Holy Office of this said city and port, against a man named Don Miguel Zaragoza, silversmith by trade, for having seen that his usual manner of praying the Rosary is with his hands behind his back so that the Rosary falls over his posterior; for having observed his infrequent visits to churches; for his annoyance when the bells of the church of Santo Domingo are rung, saying that the friars are rogues and that they take the habit to assure themselves of a meal; for having the impression that if he fulfills the Easter Duty it will be with little ardor; for hearing him scorn a silversmith named Joseph de los Reyes because he was going to light a lamp that he maintains before a Crucifix out of devotion in the entryway of the convent of Santo Domingo; and for saying on several occasions that it would be better to attend to one’s obligations than to the Lord of the Portería. And he [the witness] referred in substance to his accusation and asked that it be read to him.
He was told that he was being made aware that the Señor Fiscal of the the Holy Office was presenting him as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam [that it be remembered in perpetuity] in a case concerning the said Zaragoza, and that he should pay attention and read what he had said. If there is anything to change, add, or amend, he should do so in a way that is totally truthful, and affirm and ratify it, because what he may say now could be prejudicial to the said Zaragoza.
And what is said above was read to him de verbo ad verbum [word for word], and it having been read to him, and the aforementioned Nicolas Micon having said that he had heard and understood, he said
that it was what he said, and that all he had said was true as it was written down, and there was nothing to change, add, or amend because it was true as written, and so he affirmed and ratified. And if it was necessary, he would say it again against the aforementioned Zaragoza, not from hatred but to clear his conscience. He was charged in the customary way to maintain secrecy, which he promised to do, and he signed it with his name. tex.do (?) = diez = vale
Dr. Don Jose Maria Laso de la Vega [Rubric] Nicolas Micon
Fr. Jose Montiel
Fr. Juan Antonio de Solaun
It came before me
Fr. Joseph Rivera
Notary, Auditor, and Censor of the Holy Office
Most Illustrious Sir
The Inquisitor Fiscal, in the matter of the denunciation against Miguel de Zaragoza, silversmith by trade in Veracruz, for using prints in his shoes and other things mentioned by the witnesses concerning blasphemies, disparagement of pious acts, cult, and veneration of the image of Our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified, I say: that considering the context and circumstances of the declarations and the individuals who brought them forward, there are not sufficient merits to pursue this case until more proof is presented. For these reasons Your Illustrious Sir should order that for now the proceedings be suspended. Inquisition of Mexico, October 22, 1778.
D. Mier [Rubric]
Presented on July 3, 1782 Lord Inquisitor Only Mier | |
Request reports from the prefect of prisons regarding the physical features described in in the commissary of Veracruz’s letter to see if they correspond to those of Miguel Sobradiel, criminal of this Holy Office and prisoner in the Acordada. Have him report on whether this man frequented the house of Don Juan de Eziga and whether he has been a silversmith in Veracruz. | Most Illustrious Sir The Inquisitor Fiscal in the proceedings against Miguel Sobradiel, native of Zaragoza, says that after a charge was made against him, having recourse for another purpose to the libro de apuntes [book of notes, digest] of his Office he found noted in an investigation into irreligious conduct that was opened and suspended against one Don Miguel de Zaragoza, European, in 1778, and there being some doubt whether Zaragoza is a surname or place of Origin, and consequently whether the two individuals in these cases are one and the same, without prejudice to the incarceration I have requested against the former, I bring this to your attention, that if you do not regard this suspicion as unworthy with respect to the report of the commissary of Veracruz done on October 14, 1778 about the physical description of the latter, that you will order either the Commissary of the Crown or an officer of Inquisition to go to the Acordada prison and report on the physical characteristics of the former and whether they correspond to those described by the Commissary of Veracruz, and whether the criminal in the Acordada jail has been a silversmith in Veracruz, if he frequented the home of Don Juan de Eziga in San Francisco Street of this city, and anything else that you deem appropriate in order to determine the shared identity or difference between the two criminals. In this matter, as in all else, your Illustrious Sir will decide what is best. In this Secret Inquisition of Mexico on July 3, 1782. Doctor Bergosa [Rubric] |
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Holy Office of Mexico October 22, 1778 Inquisitor Galante |
As the Inquisitor Fiscal requests. [Rubric] |