Dear Joseph,

You are asking questions of a transcendental nature, meaning they are beyond what we can know in this physical world; something we can only speculate about within the realm of Catholic teachings. Based on what I know about Catholic teachings, here are my theological, non-doctrinal, opinions.

You said:

• My question is what does the escort really mean?

An escort, defined in the secular sense, is: a person, vehicle, ship, or aircraft, or a group of these, accompanying another for protection, security, or as a mark of rank.

You said:

• Why are we, or should we, be escorted by angels?
• What's happening when we approach the Holy Table?

I don't know; maybe it is related to the merit "In Christ" that we have performed over our life time?

The approaching the Holy Table refers to the altar of sacrifice: that one sacrifice of Calvary that is being perpetuated throughout time and history.

That's the best I can do!

Mike

Hi, Joseph —

What it means is that an angel will accompany you when you receive Holy Communion. What advantage this may have, other than personal consolation, I couldn't tell you.

Theoretically, it might provide protection against the forces of darkness, but to be honest, if the forces of darkness aren't repelled by the very Body and Blood of Christ, frankly nine more angels isn't going to help. I suspect it's more of a consolation thing.

Eric