Why do Catholics pray to Mary?

Catholics pray to Mary by asking for her intercession. They do not treat her as God or believe that she replaces Jesus.

What prayer means. The word "pray" can mean to ask. When Catholics pray to Mary, they are asking her to pray to God for them, much as Christians ask friends on earth to pray for them. Scripture urges believers to make "supplications, prayers, intercessions" for others (1 Tim 2:1). Death does not separate Christians from the Body of Christ, because those who die in His friendship remain alive in Him (Lk 20:38; Rom 8:38-39). The saints in heaven care about the Church on earth and present prayers before God (Rev 5:8; CCC 956).

Why Mary has a special place. Mary is the mother of Jesus, the eternal Son of God made man. At the Annunciation she freely accepted God’s call: "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). Scripture says that all generations will call her blessed (Lk 1:48). From the Cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to the beloved disciple, and the disciple to her (Jn 19:26-27). Catholics see in this act a sign of her spiritual motherhood toward Christ’s disciples (CCC 963-970).

What her intercession looks like. At Cana, Mary noticed the wedding couple’s need and brought it to Jesus: "They have no wine" (Jn 2:3). She then directed the servants toward Him: "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn 2:5). That pattern expresses authentic Marian devotion. Mary brings needs to Christ and leads people to obey Him. Her intercession depends entirely on Christ’s unique mediation and receives all its power from Him (CCC 970).

How to pray. A Catholic might say, "Mary, please pray that I trust your Son," or pray the Hail Mary. The request always goes through Mary to God. The Church especially asks Mary to pray "for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death" (CCC 2677).

If Marian prayer feels unfamiliar, begin simply: ask Mary to help you know, love, and obey Jesus more faithfully. Any sound devotion to Mary should lead directly to her Son.