Grew up Lutheran

Father, I'd like to ask for my brother's fiance who is becoming Catholic. She grew up in the Lutheran faith and she is very moved by the spirit to become Catholic after a recent retreat she went on. She has asked me why is it that Catholics honor Mary the way they do? I know in my heart why I honor her, but I can't give history, scriptural background or concrete facts as to why we do that and Lutherans don't.Thank you.Dear Member,Both Catholics and Lutherans believe that Mary is the Mother of Jesus and in the communion of saints, which means that we continue in relationship with all the members of the Body of Christ (the Church) both living and dead. In the same way we know that we have a responsibility to assist one another here on earth, we believe that we can also assist those who have died and that they can assist us. Since we believe that all those in heaven can assist us, we believe that Mary has a special interest in helping all of us who (by baptism) are the brothers and sisters of her son, Jesus. In Catholic tradition, honoring Mary and seeking her assistance is never an attempt to make her a diety. If it is appropriate to honor the mother of the hero of the Super Bowl, it is much more appropriate to honor the Mother of Jesus who did much more for us than win a football game!