Ohio Bishop Encourages Prayer to Mary

When bible believing Christians confront Catholics with the fact that Catholics 'pray' to Mary, how often the Catholic will reply with a shrill, "We don't 'pray' to Mary, we only ask her to 'intercede' for us." Well, that so-called successor to the apostles, Bishop James Griffin of Columbus, Ohio, is making it clear in his three-part series on the Rosary that 'prayer' IS made to Mary.

Regarding Mary and the Rosary, Griffin uses the words "pray" and "prayer" often enough in his three-part series. I have to take him at face value, if he writes "pray" and "prayer," he must mean "pray" and "prayer." Here are some examples from his series:

"She (Mary) has repeatedly asked her sons and daughters to 'pray' (emphasis mine) the Rosary."

"They have led us to a new and deeper appreciation of the importance and power of this 'prayer'."

"What better avenue of approach to Mary in 'prayer' than her Rosary!"

"How does one 'pray' the Rosary?"

"Every Catholic was most comfortable and at home with this 'prayer'."

"Deepen your familiarity...with this great 'prayer'."

"Make this 'prayer' a part of your personal life."

"The Rosary is a simple 'prayer' but a powerful 'prayer' and a 'prayer' we can take with us anywhere."

"'Pray' the Rosary!"

So, yes they DO pray to Mary! Trying to contact Mary only opens Catholics to occultic influences. Real prayer is only to God in the name of Jesus. Entry into spiritual things apart from Christ is truly a frightening proposition. May many Catholics confess the sin of Mary prayer, forsake Rome, and receive Christ by faith ALONE.