Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?

[tworainbows]

Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints, and ask them to pray to Jesus? I was raised in the protestant tradition that taught that we can pray directly to Jesus and the Father, but do not pray to Mary or Saints. Did the ancient church do this? I am interested in the Catholic church but am uncomfortable praying to Mary and the Saints and would just like an explanation as to why it is practiced. Thanks you and God bless you.

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

tworainbows,

The following links should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the “Communion of Saints”. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.

**Recommended Reading:
**

• Is praying to the saints biblical?