GERONYMO JUAN ROSSELLON, _Presbyter Not’y_.
* * * * *
In the town of Valles, on Saturday, the fourth day of December, one
thousand six hundred and thirtytwo, in the afternoon, before the said
Commissary, appeared according to summons, and swore to declare the
truth, a person calling himself Pablo Vicens, peasant, a native and
inhabitant of the said town, of age, as he stated, thirty years or
thereabout.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to
appear.
Answered, that he supposed it to be for the purpose of making inquiry
about the following matter. About fifteen days before the feast of All
Saints, he was informed by Bernardo Serda, innkeeper, an inhabitant of
this town, that a man working with Pablo Llaurador, blacksmith of this
town, had said before his wife and the guests in the inn, that he had in
a certain book, a prayer of such efficacy that, were the book thrown
into a blazing fire, along with a crucifix, the book would be preserved
and the crucifix burnt; at which the deponent was much shocked, and went
home. About six or eight days after this, the deponent went to the house
of Pablo Llaurador, and found there the man abovementioned, whom he
believes they called Juan Duran. Deponent spoke to this person, asking
him what he meant by making such a speech as the above, and advised him
to take care what he said, lest he got punished for it. The said Juan
Duran answered, that he had made the above assertion, and would repeat
it, which he did. The deponent told him he had been informed by Bernardo
Serda of his speech about the book, and other assertions of his; namely,
that the Holy Virgin del Rosario had appeared twice to him, and declared
that he possessed the power to cure all diseases, giving him her
benediction; for all which the deponent reprehended him in such a
manner, that they had nearly come to blows, he having seized a
blacksmith’s sledge for the purpose of throwing at the deponent, but
desisted, as every one present exclaimed against him. Deponent was
presently called away, and left the house, and a day or two after, on
inquiring for the said person, of Pablo Llaurador, was informed that he
had left him the same day. Deponent thinks he has since seen him at
Villaredonda, where he believes he may be found at present.
The above is the truth, according to the oath of the deponent; and being
read in his presence, is declared by him to be correctly recorded. He
further states that he has not made this declaration out of malice, and
promises secrecy. Not being able to write, I, the said Commissary sign
in his name.
DR PABLO PASQUAL MARQUEZ, _Commissary_.