As an ex-Mormon, I'd like to know the role of Mary in Catholicism?

[web2009]

From my understanding (as an ex-LDS) is that we pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. We were not even allowed to pray to Jesus.

I stand under correction, but I think Catholics pray to Mary.?

I found it very difficult not to pray to Jesus, and thank Him for what He has done for us. Well, when I got “brave enough” to do so, I did - contrary to what I had been taught.

I would also like to mention, that in the darkest moments of my life I called to Mary, and found my comfort there. That was definetely taboo, but I cannot change the fact that in those dark moments, my heart was lifted and I felt her immense love for me.

Can you explain to me what is happening here?

I was an active member of the LDS church for 17 years and have been searching for truth for the last 5. I think, somehow, that God has sent me here.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Friend,

We Catholics believe that Jesus is the perfect mediator, being both God and Man. Since we believe that He is God, we give Him the same worship that we give to God, the Father and God, the Holy Spirit.

We only pray to Mary and the other saints in that we ask them to pray for us in the same way that we ask for prayers from each other… However, we don’t give them the worship that can only be given to God. Whatever favors Mary and the saints grant us, they have actually come from Jesus.

We believe that in giving Mary to the Apostle John, Jesus gave her to the whole Church. And so we honor her as the mother of the Church. No one could have a holier and more loving mother!

It certainly seems that the Lord is calling you toward the Catholic Church. You can learn more about it on catholic.com. Click on ‘Library’ and then on ‘Faith Tracts’. You will find much info there. You can also click on ‘Encyclopedia’ where you will find topics listed alphabetically. Feel free to write again. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.