Mary is NOT a sinner. As if the Holy of Holies would allow himself to be borne of a sinner. Look how the ark of the covenant was treated. It was very well respected. Mary is the living ark who bore the God-Man. She deserves respect. If she’s good enough for Jesus, she’s good enough for me.
She is not a sinner.
As a catholic, I do not idolize statues. The catholic church does not teach to idolize statues or even worship them. They are simply reminders to us. Period.
Do you have pictures of your mom or dad? If your answer is yes, then how would you feel if I told you that you were an idolator? It is extremely disrespectful to paint such a broad brush. I know that statue isn’t alive. Most catholics believe the same. We simply ask the saints to interecede for us to Jesus, just as I may ask you to pray for me. My dad is dying of cancer and I have asked everyone I know to pray for him, even perfect strangers. Yes I go to Jesus straigh off, but I also ask the saints in heaven to pray and people on earth to pray. It’s very simple and bears much fruit. I don’t understand why this is such a stumbling block for so many. I have received so many answered prayers, even miracles, because of certain saints intereceding for me. I thank God for them, and for their friendship to me.