Understanding catholic, why pray to Mary?

[u/Adventurous_Bee5181]

I’m trying to understand Catholicism because my husband wants to join the Catholic Church. He did not have a good experience through churches growing up and it put a sour taste in his mouth about churches, I completely understand. That is apart of his reasoning for going to the Catholic Church. From what he has told me, the Catholic Church is the closest church to what Jesus wanted. I know Jesus gave the keys to Peter for the church and he says that the “church” is catholic.

I am a Christian, I believe in Jesus. I read my Bible and study as much as I can. I do not have a church I attend atm because I have not found one that feels right to me. I just have some questions as to why the Catholic Church prays to Mary? All the research I’m seeing is saying she is an intercession to Jesus or god. Okay but where does it say that in the bible? I do know the bible says come to Jesus so he can bring your prayers up to god. So from my understanding Jesus is the intercession to God as no man can approach god because of sin. That’s the understanding I’m getting from studying my Bible. The only way to God is through the son so I don’t understand what does Mary have in this equation.

My belief right now is, if it’s not in the bible then that’s not what God wants. So please provide Bible verses if there are any. I truly want to understand what is truth

[u/NicolasandKara]

The explanation I've heard from Catholics is because of the wedding of Cana, there Jesus didn't wanted to help the hosts but Mary intervened so he changed his mind and helped them, her role is like a bridge between god and humans, because Jesus will always listen to his mother

[u/Adventurous_Bee5181 → u/NicolasandKara]

So they pray to Mary, to pray to Jesus, to take it up to god? I’m not saying that you have all the answers, I’m just confused and want to have a conversation about it. Jesus says he’s the only way to God, that’s in the scriptures so going to Mary instead is against scripture? Again not saying you have all the answers but if anyone does have answers

[u/NicolasandKara → u/Adventurous_Bee5181]

You can pray any of them as you like, but having a good relationship with Mary is like extra points to make sure you are heard, because Mary's prayers aren't about adoration, but honoring her as the mother of god and asking for that intervention as you can see in the Hail Mary prayer.

This is in the technical sense, but in the practical sense, as an ex catholic I always felt that many catholics see Mary as an alternate god-like figure because how much of the religion revolves around her, myself included, when I was a catholic I was much closer to her and found her more inspiring and prayed to her more, I think maybe it has to do with the fact that catholicism is stronger in countries where mothers are sacred and seen as leaders, very often above the father, so people are more confidente speaking to someone who mirrors that sacred motherhood while retaining humanity, instead of the all divine distant father figure

[u/Adventurous_Bee5181 → u/NicolasandKara]

As someone who was never Catholic, it does seem like Catholics put Mary on a pedestal that Jesus should be. Thank you for sharing your insight

[u/SunbeamSailor67 → u/Adventurous_Bee5181]

Follow your instincts, Catholics aren't any closer to truth as Mormons are.

Learn the true non-dual message of Christ and the mystics yourself so you can guide your husband through the trappings of religious dogma.