Catholics pray to Mary because she is regarded as the Mother of Jesus and a spiritual mother to all Christians. They ask for her intercession, meaning they request Mary to pray to Jesus on their behalf, as she is believed to have a special closeness to Him. This practice is similar to asking a friend to pray for someone, and it is based on the belief in the communion of saints, where those in heaven can intercede for people on earth. Catholics do not worship Mary but honor her for her unique role in salvation history and her faith. Prayers to Mary, such as the rosary, are also meditations on the life of Jesus, with Mary directing attention to her son rather than herself.
