Historical method: a recorded belief or accusation is not independent proof of the supernatural event described.
Information travels
Sgabarizza is important not as a supernatural participant but as a conduit into the inquisitorial system. His report introduced testimony that officials might otherwise never have encountered in this form.
What mediation changes
A priest who hears an account, questions the speaker and relays it to officials adds a layer between the underlying event and surviving text. Motives, expectations, misunderstanding and memory can all matter without implying dishonesty.
Forensic reading
Model the information pathway: reported event, local conversation, priestly retelling, administrative record, later printed transcription, modern digital summary. At each step, compare exact wording and acknowledge what cannot be recovered.
Source and revision record
- Trial transcripts: Paolo Gasparutto and Battista Moduco, 1575–1581 (translated excerpt via University of Washington)Edited translation of primary record · A modern publication of translated trial testimony, not a facsimile of the original manuscript. Copyright may apply.