We're honoring Mary and asking for her to plead for us before her Son.
The seminal scriptural basis of Mary's intercession comes from the miracle at Cana, when she interceded for the wedding guests and convinced Jesus to re-order His will at her behest, by revealing Himself and His ministry upon the changing of water to wine. His "hour" had not yet come, yet He honored his mother and literally changed His will because she asked Him - on behalf of all the wedding guests.
One day we will all be guests at the wedding of our souls with Christ. Mary intercedes for us without our even asking... like the wedding guests at Cana.
Thank you for explaining that for us. It is beautiful.
Then again, Rutles4Ever could just go ahead and answer you now.... :-)
Thanks! I hadn't heard about the Cana story before. That sheds some light on it.