[SuziQ]

To not practice Marian piety is never a grounds for excommunication, nor does it make you a "bad Catholic."

That's true. There are a lot of popular devotions which are not necessary for Salvation, but they are very comforting to people and lead them to a deeper love for Jesus. This is what the Marian devotions are supposed to accomplish. Even though they look like 'Mary worship' to folks on the outside, that is NOT their purpose. They are used to bring us closer to her Son.

[John Farson]

Your explanation was interesting. Discovering what people believe and why is always fun.

Somone much wiser than me has requested that I avoid talking about religion -- feelings would likely be hurt.