Greetings a jesuschrist mathetes,
You have many, many thoughts going on in your post.......
First of all, in regard to the rejection(?) of modern day apostles and prophets.........one must not throw caution to the wind........as the Lord Jesus specifically referred to much deception, and false prophets....especially in the last days. We must stay solidly grounded in Scripture.
I grew up with a Roman Catholic background. Although I am no authority, I have done a bit of homework/study on RCC. I've come to understand that alot of the doctrine passed down from the Vatican.....is not common knowledge for those lining the pews on Sunday. All the raw material is available for Salvation in RCC. And it is my fervent, daily prayer for all Catholics, by the working of the Holy Spirit, to separate the chaff from the wheat in their personal relationship with Jesus. (There seems to be a built-in tension in the doctrine between "works and grace".")(which I do not beleive is unique just to RCC)
If you asked an American Catholic why they pray to Mary?...a large majority would become defensive, and deny praying TO her.....but WITH her. (a part of the Communion of Saints.) ...........there truly is NOT an awareness of the official doctrine of her being an "intercesory"........
It grieves me that the Marion movement has been a large tool in the ecumentical movement within the RCC.........many, many apparitions of Mary to Islamics now.....most prevalent in Africa. (including a famous "sighting" in Egypt) Fatima, Portugal is building a stadium size church for ecumentical worship. (Search the web...."Fatima", and there are photos of Buddhists, and Islamics worshipping there .)
My prayer is that all Christians grow in OUR LORD'S LOVE AND GRACE THAT HE SHOWERS ON US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK!