“I can pray to whoever I want”
Okay, doesn’t mean they can hear you. Only God is even capable of hearing the prayers of every man, woman and child on this planet. To suggest that Mary or some saint is really entertaining the prayers of millions of Catholics is to give them God’s attributes.
I am not going to downplay the profound impact the beatific vision must have on the souls in heaven. I think anyone capable of seeing God is capable of hearing the prayers of millions.