I should clarify, too, that when we ask Mary to “help” us, we mean by her power of intercession. She can’t grant us things in and of herself, but only by virtue of the graces given to her by God. She is God’s instrument or agent, just as any creature is, but in her exalted position as the Mother of God, she is the best possible creature we can ask to pray for us. God has designed it so that we are all in this together: a big family in the Church, including those who have passed on, but who are still