The History of the Franciscan Order records that, on the Canary Islands, a saintly monk named Br. John de Via passed away.

Soon after the good brother’s death, Br. Ascension (who had cared for Br. John during his illness) was praying very hard in his cell for the repose of his friend's soul. He was asking God to take Br. John to Heaven when, without warning, he saw another Franciscan in his room. He didn’t look like an ordinary Franciscan, though. He was very bright, so bright in fact, that the whole cell was bathed in a Heavenly light.

Br. Ascension, very taken aback, didn’t recognize the monk standing before him. Confused and uncertain, he asked the brother who he was and why had he come to him.

"I am the spirit of Br. John de Via," answered the shining religious, "I thank you for the prayers which you have poured forth to Heaven in my behalf, and I come to ask of you one more act of charity. Know that, thanks to the Divine mercy, I am in the place of salvation, among those who will be in Heaven - the light which surrounds me is a proof of this. Yet," a shadow seemed to fall on Br. John’s face as he continued, "I am not worthy to see the face of God on account of an omission which remains to be expiated. During my mortal life I neglected, through my own fault, and several times, to recite the Office for the Dead, when it was prescribed by the Rule. I beseech you, my dear brother, for the love you bear Jesus Christ, to say those offices in such a manner that my debt may be paid, and I may go to enjoy the vision of my God."

Br. Ascension immediately went to the Father Guardian and told him what had happened. Once he had received permission from his superior, Br. Ascension hastened to start praying the offices that had been asked of him. When he had finished, Br. John de Via appeared again, but this time he was shining more brilliantly than before. Smiling, he told his friend that, thanks to his prayers, Br. John was now in eternal happiness.