Nothing's stopping you from praying to Mary. It just seems a little redundant (at least to me).
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you're praying, you've got a direct connection via the Holy Spirit to God the Father and the Son. When you pray, you're talking to the big guy himself.
So, when we confess at the beginning of mass, and "ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, to pray for me to the Lord our God", we're basically asking God to tap Mary on the shoulder and tell her to talk to God. Why ask God to ask Mary to ask God? Why not just ask God, directly?
This one bugs me. Can somebody explain it to me? Thanks.
P.S. This one is right up there with not being able to understand people when they "speak in tongues". It's basically indicates to me that the Holy Spirit is not in the room.
You’ve understood it perfectly.
“Why not just ask God, directly?”
Sure, but we are commanded to pray for one another. To help each other bear our burdens.