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I do not have a problem with the Hail Mary, for exactly the reasons you state, and I know that many Catholics understand this, but surely you must know that there are many, many Catholics who will tell you they are praying TO the Saint(s). I know because all of my in-laws have done, and do this.

As for it getting old, I agree with you. It does get old when you keep trying to explain to people such as yourself that many Catholics DO pray “To” (not in the sense as of the Hail Mary) and why you won’t admit this is beyond me. Do you think we all just make up this stuff? Really. I’ve had many conversations with my in-laws on this.

Once upon a time ago my mother-in-law said she was going to pray “to” (yes, she said “to”) St. Anthony (we had lost our camera and she said St. Anthony or St. Somebody would get it back for us)and I asked her how on earth St. Anthony could possibly hear all the prayers of all the millions of Catholics in Brazil, Mexico, South America, Italy, the U.S. and so on that would potentially be praying “to” him at the same time since St. A is not God and would not be able to have the ability to hear all the prayers at once and all she said is, “oh you’re too practical.” Yeah, I’m practical all right and God gave me a mind and I actually use it. I’m not saying I know everything but that makes no sense to me scripturally whatsoever and, frankly, the Lord himself taught us how to pray and he said, “Our Father....” He DID NOT SAY to ask St. Anthony or St. Anybody to pray for us.

I think that you are taking her word and not her intention. If that was her intention then she was not taught properly. The power in a prayer “to” St. Anthony is in his intercession. To ask Our Lord. This is the prayer “to” St. Anthony.

Unfailing Prayer to (note the word “to”, as in I am speaking “to”) Saint Anthony

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God
and Charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on
earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on
your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in
trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore
of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer
may require a miracle. Even so, you are the saint of
Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full
of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the
Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen.

I somehow think you are reading into her intentions. That’s a mistake. As for your question of “how can he hear”, he does not have earthly ears. He has heavenly ears and in heavenly time. All eternity is available.