[MarkBsnr]

Since Catholics don't worship Mary, just who is it apparent to? Aquinas did not invent hyperdulia as code for Mariolatry. We respect Mary; we worship God.

Why the need?

Need?

From the beginning, the Church recognized those who were holier, who were more, whose imitation of Christ stood out from others and who exemplified a Christian life and practices. They are called holy, beatified, sainted. It is a practice of recognition.

[OLD REGGIE]

From the beginning, the Church recognized those who were holier, who were more, whose imitation of Christ stood out from others and who exemplified a Christian life and practices. They are called holy, beatified, sainted. It is a practice of recognition.

Oh? And hyperdulia applies to all of them?

Hint. Don't drive for some time.

[metmom]

From the beginning, the Church recognized those who were holier, who were more, whose imitation of Christ stood out from others and who exemplified a Christian life and practices. They are called holy, beatified, sainted. It is a practice of recognition.

We are commanded to not be a respecter of persons.

Our trying to determine one's level of holiness puts us in the position of judging based on outward appearances, which we are also forbidden to do.

We don't know another's heart and are in no position to make accurate determinations of their level of personal holiness.