Worship belongs to God alone. We honor St. Mary as the Mother of God and honor the saints because the grace of God shines in their lives. Their intercession is prayer offered for others; God alone gives grace, help, and salvation.
What the Church teaches
St. Mary’s honor points to the truth of the Incarnation: the one born from her is truly God the Word made flesh. The saints are living witnesses that Christ’s holiness can be received and embodied. Because the Church is one in Christ, Christians on earth ask the prayers of those who have completed their course just as they ask one another to pray.
Live it this week
Read the Magnificat in Luke 1 and one brief life from the Synaxarium. Thank God for the grace shown in that saint, ask for the saint’s prayers, and choose one virtue to practice this week.
When personal guidance matters
Honor is not worship, and intercession does not make a saint the source of salvation. Claims, images, or devotional practices that confuse Creator and creature should be brought to a trusted priest for careful teaching.
Sibhat prepared this original answer from the sources listed above. For personal or sacramental guidance, speak with your parish priest.