Neill Reilly presents portraits, rather than biographies, of five remarkable individuals in short, subjective, affectionate sketches. He relates fond remembrances of five departed souls in deeply personal portraits that are nevertheless meaningful even for those who have never heard of these people who chose a life of service. Readers can test the facts presented here and determine their usefulness as inspiration for living a better life. If the author seems too fond of his subjects, he readily pleads guilty as charged.

The term Michaelic refers to the qualities expressed by the Archangel Michael, who fights the dark forces that work to suppress human hope, goodness, loving kindness, and true community. Michael is often depicted as armored and resolute, giving no quarter to evil. He is intimately connected with Christ as Earth’s guiding light. Each of these five individuals represents a well-lived, Michaelic lives. As in the front cover image on this book, the Archangel Michael assumes a balanced stance, with one foot restraining the head of Satan and his sword at the ready. Such balance and focus is critical to all human endeavors, especially those connected with one’s spiritual life and contributions to education and society.

These five brief portraits offer inspiration to all those who aspire to live a more Michaelic life, one that pours much-needed loving kindness and selfless service into our world for the future.