Actually, we ask Mary to pray for us sinners.
There are a number of definitions that one must accept to fully understand what Catholics mean when they say something. Many Protestants believe that "Pray" means only to worship. Websters dictionary says it means: (1) To utter petition to God ... (2) To make a fervent request: PLEAD (3) To beseech: implore (4) to make a devout or earnest request for.
Catholics do not believe that heaven is populated by the dead. We believe that those already in heaven are very much alive and are able to hear our intentions.
We also believe that of all of the saints in Heaven Mary hold a special place because, as we are told in Luke 1:30, Mary was favored by God and was blessed among women (Luke 1:42).
still sounds like worship to me,and sounds like you think Mary holds special status sounds like co-redeemer,,
When Jesus himself spoke of the rich man and poor man,,one being in hell one being in paradise,Abraham himself said that there was nothing anyone in heaven could do to help sinners in hell or even sinners on earth,that they needed to get help from scripture before they died.So again,,Im not trying to be argumentave,just asking why you feel Mary can contradict what Jesus Himself said?