Looking at this from a religious viewpoint, isn't this a little idol-worshippish?
Doesn't really count in Catholicism. Idol worship in Catholicism is basically if you worship
false idols (basically things that distract you from Jesus, like worshipping some other God). People like Mary or the saints aren't seen as above God or Jesus, but more like telephone operators. Instead of every person praying to God, you can pray to Mary (who, as Jesus' mother, has a lot of influence over him) or one of the saints, and they can direct your call. If you lose your car keys and you pray to St. Anthony (patron saint of lost things), St. Anthony himself doesn't help you find your car keys: rather, St. Anthony, while in Heaven, prays to God, who, working through St. Anthony, helps you find your keys.
Therefore veneration of images (especially of Mary) or holy relics is less idol worship and more considered solid proof of this system being in place.