[pillut48]

But there are many directed at the saint/s themselves, which is why it is puzzling to me.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Let me just strt off by saying I respect you and your questions, because you seem to be patiently and persistently trying to gain understanding.

As to the prayers that begin with "O Saint Philomena, please..." or words to that effect: they generally end with "...through Chrust our Lord."

That's how we understand the process, anyhow. We know very well that Philomena may be a good ol' gal, but she amounts to diddly, spiritually speaking, apart from Jesus Christ Our Lord.