[conservative cat]

Good post. I am a converted Catholic and so am aware of things like this, but I am surprised by how many Catholics themselves think they are “praying to” various saints instead of requesting prayer.

The way I like to describe the difference to people is like if I was going to the hospital and asked a friend to pray for me. I am not praying TO my friend, and yes, I can still pray myself, but it helps to have others pray for us, too. Why not include those (saints) whom we are pretty sure made it to heaven.

[bdeaner]

The way I like to describe the difference to people is like if I was going to the hospital and asked a friend to pray for me. I am not praying TO my friend, and yes, I can still pray myself, but it helps to have others pray for us, too. Why not include those (saints) whom we are pretty sure made it to heaven.

Exactly right. If someone is praying TO Mary or the Saints, rather than simply honoring them and/or asking for their intercession, they are in heresy and should be gently corrected.