Why Catholics Pray to Mary

For many, the idea of praying to Mary can be confusing, particularly when the distinction between prayer and worship is misunderstood. 

First off, let’s clarify. Catholics seek Mary’s intercession, not worship, which is reserved for God alone. So Mary holds a place of honor, not divinity. 

Mary is significant to Catholics because she played a key role in Salvation History by bringing Jesus into the world. Today, she continues to connect us to God’s grace through her prayers.

Let’s look at three major reasons Catholics honor and pray to Mary. 

Watch Paul J. Kim debunk the myth that Catholics worship Mary in 30 seconds! 

Mary’s Role in Catholic Prayer

Catholics turn to Mary because of her unique relationship with Jesus. As the Mother of God, she has a special connection to Christ. When Catholics pray to her, they ask her to intercede with her Son, much like asking a friend to pray for them.

This practice is biblical, as seen at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). Mary brought the people’s needs to Jesus, and though it wasn’t His time, He performed His first miracle at her request. This shows how Mary’s intercession can lead us closer to Christ, as she always points the way to Him.

 

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Mary As a Model of Faith

Catholics pray to Mary because she is a model of faith. Her “yes” at the Annunciation (Luke 1:38), embracing God’s will despite uncertainty, is a powerful example of trust. Catholics seek to imitate her unwavering faith and obedience, praying for the grace to follow her example of surrender to God.

 

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Mary’s Intercession

Mary’s intercession is cherished because she deeply understands the human experience. From her “yes” at the Annunciation to standing at the Cross, Mary felt the full range of human emotions—joy, pain, and hope. Her role in Christ’s life allows her to empathize with our struggles.

Catholics turn to Mary, trusting her as a mother who knows both suffering and God’s grace. Her intercession is a loving act, guiding us to her Son, always seeking our good. Praying to Mary deepens our relationship with Christ, as she always leads us closer to Him, the source of all grace.

 

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Want to learn more about intercessory prayer? Check out our blog to walk you through praying for others. 

Additional Resources

Watch Paul J. Kim’s talk from SEEK on why relationship with the Blessed Mother matters.

Reminder, registration for SEEK25 is now open! We’re ready to pray AND worship with you in person next January in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City!

For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!