[StAthanasiustheGreat]

You are certainly correct that all too often things are phrased incorrectly or worse. Pray in this case is fundamentally the wrong word, or the right word but with a fundamentally different meaning then when used to refer to Our Lord and Savior.

[P-Marlowe]

You are certainly correct that all too often things are phrased incorrectly or worse.

I see it a lot. Maybe you aren't supposed to pray TO Mary, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of Catholics do. The fact of the matter is that a lot of Catholics think Mary has Divine powers that are equal to or in some cases greater than those of her Son.

Now are they practicing correct Catholic theology? Maybe not, but who among the Catholics is correcting or admonishing them? Did any Catholics on this thread stop and question the statement of Pope Benedict? Has anyone chastised him for suggesting that Catholics pray to Mary?

Frankly since it is the Pope who is asking that everyone pray TO Mary, why should anyone think that is not what Catholics do?

[P-Marlowe]

Explain to me how this is not a Prayer To Mary:

Prayer by St. Alphonsus de Liguori

From the Glories of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to Thee who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the universe, the advocate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, I who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day.

I venerate Thee, great Queen, and I thank Thee for the many graces Thou hast bestowed upon me even unto this day; in particular for having delivered me from the hell which I have so often deserved by my sins. 

I love Thee, most dear Lady; and for the love I bear Thee, I promise to serve Thee willingly for ever and to do what I can to make Thee loved by others also. I place in Thee all my hopes for salvation; accept me as thy servant and shelter me under thy mantle, thou who art the Mother of mercy.

 And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death. From Thee I implore a true love for Jesus Christ. Through Thee I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by the love thou bearest to Almighty God, I pray Thee to assist me always, but most of all at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until thou shalt see me safe in heaven, there to bless Thee and sing of thy mercies through all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen.