[steve86]

Only if your operational definition of idolatry (incorrectly) includes veneration. ven·er·a·tion ˌvenəˈrāSHən/ noun noun: veneration; plural noun: venerations 1. great respect; reverence.

[fwdude]

You're splitting hairs, steve. Who cares what terminology is used to describe how Catholics ask Mary to do only what God has the power to do? Such attribution of near omnipotent power is idolatry.

[CynicalBear]

>> Only if your operational definition of idolatry (incorrectly) includes veneration.<<

Incorrectly? Hmm! Let’s see.

Veneration
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/venerate
venerate
to regard or treat with reverence; revere.
Origin:>br> 1615–25; < Latin venerātus, past participle of venerārī to solicit the goodwill of (a god), worship, revere, verbal derivative of vener-

http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venerate
venerate
to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power Synonyms adore, deify, glorify, revere, reverence, venerate Yep, they venerate all right!