[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.

[Just mythoughts]

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.

Note I married into a LIBERAL Catholic family..... Now could you please explain to me how to invoke Mary for intercession is NOT one and the same as praying TO Mary for whatever?

By liberal I mean it this way.... they vote democrat and democrat ideology represents what they believe their priest and their Church teaches/stands for and 'Republicans' are for the rich and do not share the wealth.