Question:
Answer:
We need to distinguish between how the word cult is used in Catholic theology and how it is used in the vernacular.
In the vernacular, the word cult refers to a person or group that uses psychological and emotional manipulation to control others.
But in Catholic theology the word cult is used to describe a particular form of worship. If a Catholic wishes to marry a non-Christian, the dispensation that is applied for is called “disparity of cult,” meaning that they have different methods of worship.
Within Catholicism there are different “cults” or liturgical forms and devotions. Any liturgical or prayer devotion centered around a particular saint is referred to as a cult. Therefore, the “cult of Mary” within Catholicism would refer simply to Marian devotion.