I know a number of catholics who pray to Mary. So that’s not part of catholic doctrine?
Not trying to offend anyone, but it seems a little weird to ask a dead person to pray for us, be it Mary or “saints”.
We regularly request prayer, but not from someone who has passed on.
Riiiight.... Jesus’s MOTHER can’t do a THING for you......yeah.
As I read the Bible, the term "saints" is not applied to dead Christians that have some miracles associated with them. "Saints" just refers to the believers. You and I are saints. The original Greek term simply means "holy one" or "set apart" or "sanctified". We are made holy through through His blood when we accept his sacrifice and become part of His Body (the church).
Without knowing how your acquaintances “pray” it is impossible to know whether they are following Catholic doctrine. Sadly, it is sometimes the case that Catholics do not know the tenants of their own religion. I have met fellow Catholics for instance who are unaware that the church teaches that the eucharist is the actual body and blood of Jesus not merely a symbol.
Maybe you will think I am weird, but my mother died when I was seventeen and yes at times I ask her to pray for me, I think you would be surprised at how many people ask their much loved relatives that have passed on for strength here on Earth.
Please tell me how the words of John 3:16 KJV, “shall not perish and have everlasting life,” would not apply to Mary.
If she’s dead, Jesus isn’t who any of us claim he is.