Concerning prayer to Mary, the history of Catholic doctrine on this issue is convoluted and illogical, but we offer the following summary.  As early as 333 AD believers were practicing a “moment of silence” at the place where Mary allegedly fainted along the path where Jesus was led to the cross.  Legends of her “greatness” began to flourish as early as the 2^nd century, taking full form in the 4^th century and finally becoming established by Pope Boniface IV in 610 AD.

Catholic doctrine is plainly heretical concerning Mary’s deity and power in the essential fact that she is ascribed deity by church tradition and is given Christ’s glory through the same agency.  “The Glories of Mary,” written by Bishop Alphonse de Liguori, also a saint in the Catholic Church, describe in detail these heresies.

The doctrine of Purgatory appeared first in some of Augustine’s writings (though he questioned some of the tenets) and was established by Gregory the Great around 600 AD.

There is no biblical basis for, NOR is there any reason to believe that these traditions are Apostolic in nature.  The failing of the Catholic Church in these matters of doctrine, as well as many others, is simply in the fact that they place tradition equal to or above the authority of Scripture. 

Catholic doctrine is quite simply the folly of unchecked power and misguided authority.