Do Catholics worship Mary or the saints?

TL;DR:

Catholicism frame certain traditions, such as the consecration to Mary and asking saints to incede, as devotional guidance, but those practices blur the line between respect and idolatry. Such traditions are not supported by Scripture; worship and prayer belong to God alone.

what does the bible say?

The Bible teaches that worship and prayer belong to God alone (Exodus 20:3–5; Deuteronomy 5:7–9; Isaiah 42:8; Leviticus 19:4; Psalm 115:4–8). Because of this, idolatry is explicitly condemned. The New Testament reinforces this by showing that even angels and apostles refused worship (Acts 10:25–26; Revelation 19:10). Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19–20); no saints nor Mary are necessary to access God.

Catholics claim to venerate Mary and the saints rather than worship them, framing practices like consecration and asking for intercession as devotion, similar to a child relying on a parent for guidance. In practice, however, these acts often resemble prayer and worship, blurring the line between honor and idolotry. The Bible emphasizes that believers have direct access to God through Jesus (John 14:13–14; John 16:23–24; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:5). While honoring saints or Mary as examples of faith can be appropriate, all mediation, worship, and devotion belong to God alone.

from the old testament

The Bible teaches that worship belongs to God alone and forbids honoring anyone or anything in a way that takes the place of God (Exodus 20:3–5; Deuteronomy 5:7–9; Isaiah 42:8).
Any form of idolatry—giving worship, reverence, or prayer to a created being—is condemned and prohibited (Leviticus 19:4; Psalm 115:4–8).

from the new testament

When Cornelius fell down in worship at Peter's feet, Peter refused to accept worship (Acts 10:25–26). The angel in revelation also refused the apostle John's worship, directing him to "Worship God" instead (Revelation 19:10).
Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and nowhere does Scripture encourage praying to the dead or to saints in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19–20).
Prayer in Scripture is always directed to God alone through Christ. Jesus told his disciplines "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you" (John 16:23; cf 14:13-14), and Paul identified Christ as the "one mediator between God and men, the man" (1 Timothy 2:5; emphasis added).

implications for today

Children turn to their mother for guidance and care. This is how Catholics claim they view Mary and the saints. But though they claim to honor Mary and the saints rather than worship them, their actions tell a different story. Consider that Catholics . . .

pray directly to Mary or the saintscelebrate special days dedicated to individual saintshonor personal items associated with the saints (e.g., bones, clothing, or personal effects)display images of Mary and/or the saints in churches and homeSubstitute "Christ" for any of the above, and we can clearly see how many of these Catholic practices are de facto worship, not merely respect. And Mary would likely be appalled at this. In speaking with the angel Gabriel, Mary referred to herself as a "servant of the Lord" (Luke 1:38). All of us are servants of the Lord and stand in submission to Him—including Mary and the apostles.

While a respectful attitude toward the saints and Mary as the mother of Jesus is appropriate—for example, remembering what they did to faithfully live for Christ—making them a focal point of devotion or seeking their intercession in ways that approach prayer confuse the distinction between Creator and creature. All mediation and access to God are through Jesus, the one true high priest, not Mary or any human being.

Start a conversation with the Catholics in your life about this, but approach them with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). For many Catholics, venerating Mary and the saints is part of their religious traditions. Ask questions to see what they think of those practices. Share Bible verses that show the truth: Christ alone is worthy of worship.

understand

Worship and prayer belong to God alone.
Believers have direct access to God through Jesus, not through saints or Mary.
Catholic practices like consecration or asking saints for intercession blur the line with worship, which is contrary to Scripture.

reflect

How do you ensure that your worship is directed to God alone?
How do you honor faithful examples like Mary or the saints without crossing into practices reserved for God?
How does understanding Jesus as your sole mediator change the way you approach prayer and worship?

engage

How can we honor Mary or the saints without blurring the lines of worship?
What Scriptures can we share to explain why all mediation and access to God is through Jesus alone?
How might we engage in conversation to help Catholics see that prayer and consecration are meant for God, not created beings, and that their practices blur this?