Because we believe the bible when it says the the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. Some protestants have rejected the communion of the saints, which is a shame.
Martin Luther didn't even go that far!
One should honor Mary as she herself wished and as she expressed it in the Magnificat. She praised God for his deeds. How then can we praise her? The true honor of Mary is the honor of God, the praise of God's grace . . . Mary is nothing for the sake of herself, but for the sake of Christ . . . Mary does not wish that we come to her, but through her to God. (Martin Luther: Explanation of the Magnificat, 1521).
In John 16 Christ tells us to ask in His name, where in the Bible does say to ask in Mary's name? Show me the John 16 (any scripture) that refers to Mary.
Christ is giving you such an opportunity to communicate directly with the Father and you turn your back on it! Or is it that the church only recognizes one holy father, the pope.
There is a Catholic channel on cable TV the Spends an hour every Sunday showing 20 to 25 nuns repeating the following:
Hail Mary, full of grace.
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Over and over. If it wasn't being broadcast on TV I would say no big deal.
matthew 6:5 "Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, don't babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they'll be heard for their many words. 8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.