The story of this Statue St. Michael the archangel

During World War II in the 1940's a young Jewish man found himself Stationed in Milan Italy most probably in the USAAF. 

Whilst he was in Milan he came across a statue in an antique store and brought it. Milan was subjected to extremely heavy bombing. It was the most bombed city in Italy. The bombing focused on the city center, the Cultural heritage was hardest hit including Milan Cathedral, and the Basilica of St. Ambrogio. 

The Fifteenth century statue remained with him throughout the war. When the war was over he brought it back to his home in New York. 

Thinking this was a Christian statue, upon his death his wife came to the Church of St John and donated it to the church. She also thought that it was probably a statue of St. John the Evangelist. 

At that time Fr. Willem Klaver (from the Netherlands) a Mill Hill Missionary father, was looking after the Parish. He thanked the lady for her gift, and called me to see if I could do a little research, and find someone who could clean and restore it. 

We first established the fact that it was definitely St. Michael the Archangel by the style of its clothing and his angelic features. 

I compared it to other paintings and sculptures of the same period. We then gave the statue into the care of Janette Aiello, an artist in Croton Harmon, who has put in many hours without any resources to properly restore it. This is why I am appealing to all my dear friends and acquaintances today to kindly help. An angel is ranked above the highest rank in celestial hierarchy. St Michael is an archangel. 

A warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of Justice a healer of the sick and the guardian of the church. 

Michael was first derived from the name Mikha'el meaning "Who is like God?" in Hebrew.In Hebrew tradition Michael was one of the archangels. Also the name of archangel Michael was mentioned in the Qur'an pronounced as Meekal called Mika'il in Muslim Mikael is a Muslim name Meaning gift from God. 

To my great surprise and happiness this 15th century statue represents Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bahai faith. 

I invite you all to participate no matter how small your donation for our future generations to enjoy the statue and its message to keep Peace on earth and Brotherly love Alive. Louise Devenish AAA