1. The name Miguel means “who is like God.” In the Bible he is called “one of the chief princes” (Daniel 10:13) and “the great prince” (Daniel 12: 1).
2. Michael is often depicted with a sword or the scales of justice. Renaissance paintings show him in armor. These symbolize your strength, courage, truth and integrity. Michael is involved in an incessant war against the forces of evil. His most famous example of this occurred when he cast Lucifer and his followers out of heaven.
3. According to the apocryphal book of Adam and Eve, Michael closely watched the couple after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. He taught Adam how to cultivate and persuaded God to allow Adam’s soul to return to heaven after his death.
4. An ancient tradition says that Michael told Sarah, Abraham’s wife, that she would give birth to a son. Although not mentioned by name, Michael is believed to be the “angel of the Lord” who prevented Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:10).
5. Michael guides the souls who have left for the other world. This happened because, according to the Testament of Abraham, Michael told Abraham that he was about to die. Abraham asked God if he could see all the wonders of the world so that he could die without regret. Michael developed his experience as a guide by taking Abraham on a tour of the inhabited world. Then, he took Abraham home to prepare for his death.
6. Michael is believed to have rescued Daniel from the lion’s den. It is also believed that he was responsible for the plague in Egypt that ultimately led the Israelites to freedom. It was probably Michael who appeared to Joshua and called himself “captain of the Lord’s army.” (Joshua 5: 13-15) Michael also appeared to Gideon and gave him the courage to fight his enemies (Judges 6: 11-18).
7. In Islamic tradition, Mika’il (Michael) is in charge of the forces of nature and has an army of angels to help him. It has magnificent green topaz wings. Mika’il has a million languages, each of which can speak a million languages. Her long saffron hair reaches down to her feet, and each hair contains a million faces. Each face contains a million eyes that cry seventy thousand tears. He takes life seriously and never laughs.
8. Joan of Arc (c. 1412-1431) began listening to and finally seeing Michael at the age of thirteen. He constantly encouraged her and even suggested the flag that she should wear when leading her army.
9. Pope Leo XIII wrote a famous prayer that begins: “Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle, keep us safe from the wickedness and snares of the devil.” He wrote this after a vision in which he saw Michael sending Satan back to hell. This prayer still brings comfort to many people.
10. Between 1961 and 1965, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to four children in Garabandal, Spain, telling them to change their way of life, do penances and attend church more often. Four years later, Michael appeared to the children and repeated the message. He also told them that if they prayed sincerely, they would receive whatever they prayed for.
