It looks quite polytheistic, but it isn't. Nobody, not even the ones who pray to the saints regularly, not even the ones who pray to the saints exclusively, would claim that they are God. I imagine that it's much like the Loa in Haitian Voodun: you bring them your requests, and you venerate those Loa that you associate with, and that are appointed patrons over the things you care about. But you also understand that the Loa aren't God, and you know that the Loa actually answer to Bon Dye, who is the apex of the whole scheme, and the only perfect, and most powerful piece in the structure.
I am thoroughly protestant, but I have accepted certain Saints as my 'icons.' I don't pray to them, because I don't believe that's how it works. But I do respect their images and venerate them in my own private way, for the things that they have come to symbolize.
. They were quoted saying that they were thrilled about the counter protest because it means that they "got their message out to that many people" or something along those lines. Nothing fazes them, so it's best to ignore.
I could find some positivity in it, but like espy said, there was no requirement to pray to saints or even Mary as long as we honored and respected them. I used to like saying St. Gertrude's prayer before bed for the souls in Purgatory. In fact, I think the prayer I copied on notebook paper from a library book is still hanging in my old bedroom. Wow, memories... Catholicism used to be such a huge part of my life. I always figured I'd grow up to be an old lady who said Novenas and taught Catechism, heheh.
