[xzins]

The thesaurus and the dictionary give us definitions of words.

They use veneration and worship interchangeably.

I'm more interested in the acts that are taking place when one venerates and/or worships.

If the acts are the same, or substantially the same, then the burden is on the actor to demonstrate the distinction (s)he sees.

For example, in praying to Mary, since Mary is not omniscient or omnipresent, how exactly are these prayers heard?

[Conservative til I die]

If the acts are the same, or substantially the same, then the burden is on the actor to demonstrate the distinction (s)he sees.

Well, the acts are not the same or substantially the same, so that puts an end to your argument and the Thesarus's. There's a world of difference between asking a saint to pray for you and take up your cause with Jesus and worshipping Jesus as the Divine Son of God.