[Elsie]

We venerate Mary because like Our Savior we love and seek company of Mary and ask her to lead us to Christ.

I think you'll find your BOOK says that someone ELSE does the leading...

John 16:13
“But whenever The Spirit of The Truth comes, he will lead you into the whole truth...

Psalm 25:5
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.

[annalex]

That the Holy Ghost leads us does not negate the fact that to us, Mary is the God-giver and all the saints are whom we should imitate if we ourselves want to be saved.