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G Larry & Ditto, have you ever looked up the etymology of "veneration?" It means "reverence" from venerari--to "worship, revere."

Yes yes, and if one looks up older practices regarding Mary in the Church, one will find that the word "worship" is used extensively with regards to the honor paid to Mary. GASP!!!!!!!!!! CATHOLICS ADMIT THEY WORSHIP MARY!!!!!!!

Here's a clue: Look up the meanings of latria, hyperdulia and dulia, and find that they all were described as "worship" at one time, but that does NOT mean they are the same KIND of worship. You, being a student of etymology should know that in times past, words had different, and and sometimes BROADER meanings.

Honestly, to constantly answer the charge of idolotry is TIRESOME. Do you who think Catholics are idol worshippers honestly believe that we sit around and INTEND to worship a statue, like we worship God? Do you think there's some secret we Catholics know, and chuckle about at secret meetings where we sacrifice goats or something? I mean REALLY!

CATHOLICS ADMIT THEY WORSHIP MARY!!!!!!!

Ok, so you worship her. Do you pray to her?

Honestly, to constantly answer the charge of idolotry is TIRESOME. Do you who think Catholics are idol worshippers honestly believe that we sit around and INTEND to worship a statue, like we worship God? Do you think there's some secret we Catholics know, and chuckle about at secret meetings where we sacrifice goats or something? I mean REALLY!

Idol is a much broader term than we're willing to give it. We often think of OT terms in which it has to be an object we bow down to. An idol is simply anything or anybody we substitute in place of what is to be a Godward orientation, be it our devotion, our prayer, our dependence, our reliance, our love, our source, etc.

Hence, while we have earthly fathers, in reality we only have one: "And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." (Mt. 23:9) While we honor our earthly father, he is not to become a substitute for honoring God: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me..." (Mt 10:37).

So, we wouldn't often refer to our own parents as "idols"--but if they get in the way--if they become a substitute for our "mainstream" love to God...then we are guilty of diluting that love.

All I'm saying is that for every devotion targeted to a dead saint, the main target is being missed. For every prayer devoted to a saint, the main target is being missed.

Do you think there's some secret we Catholics know, and chuckle about at secret meetings where we sacrifice goats or something?

I advise you to reread Chapter 67, Article 268, Paragaraph IIIA of the Secret Vatican Handbook. You are not supposed to let them know about the goats.