How do I answer the question, “Why do Catholics worship Mary?
” Thank you for asking. I love that question. It reminds me of how often we are invited to share our faith with friends and even strangers. My first response, if I’m quick, is to be sure I’m smiling. For a smile, much more than a look of consternation or annoyance, increases the odds that the questioner will actually listen to my answer. Then in my best southern accent I reply, “Of course Catholics don’t worship Mary. No Christian would ever do that.” The person’s reaction to my answer then typically sets up one of three possible dialogues that I’ll refer to as Scene I, Scene II and Scene III. In SCENE I, my protest that Catholics don’t worship Mary prompts my friend to say, “But I’ve seen her statue in your church.” To which I respond, “Do you have pictures of your family in your wallet or at your home?” “Yes, but that’s just to remind me of them. I don’t worship my wife or kids!” “But you do keep pictures of people who are important to you?” “Yes, of course. That’s just natural.” “We
