That is a lot to ask at one time. :) The dark ages generally refers to the centuries after Roman civilization fell -- splintering Europe into feudal kingdoms, with some similarities to present times -- economic depression, roving bands of lawless types, necessitating walled cities, mass migrations, etc.
But the monks, during this time, and long before the printing press, quietly and prayerfully kept learning alive -- dedicating their lives to copying the bible by hand, as well as other worthwhile books. Bibles in fact were so prized that they were sometimes donated and chained in the churches, much like phone books used to be fastened with a cable, to keep them from being stolen from phone booths.
While civilzation struggled some, Christianity actually thrived. During the late middle ages (say, 1200-1400 anyway), there are many examples of magnificent cathedrals being built -- to glorify God and uplift the soul. Both rich and poor worked, often shoulder to shoulder, pulling carts of building supplies, and artisans dedicated years of their lives to contributing artwork, in some cases placed where only God would see it.
In most European languages -- and including older English, the word "pray" simply meant "to ask". The oldest Christian martyrs tombs (some dating to 1st and 2nd century!) are often covered in very ancient grafitti, and notes left in crevices, asking the deceased to pray for them, to also be faithful and make it to heaven. It was also assumed (for good reasons) that those in heaven were allowed to convey the prayers of those on earth to God. In any case, the requests of prayer, to angels and to saints, are no more and no less, what Christians on earth would typically request of one another -- hey, please pray for me -- I have an exam, or a problem, or a doubt, or a sickness, and would appreciate your prayers, as you are closer to God. The saints are viewed as heroes, who "won the race" and are confirmed in heaven, and "the prayers of the just availeth much". With Mary, not only was she mother of Jesus, but also in a real sense given to us, and us to her, by Jesus' last words on the cross. Catholics do not confuse adoration and worship (due to God alone) with the humble respect and admiration they have for his saints and angels -- who are merely his creatures, but ones who love us, and form a "cloud of witnesses" cheering those of us still on earth, and encouraging us with their prayers.
That is a lot to ask at one time. :) The dark ages generally refers to the centuries after Roman civilization fell -- splintering Europe into feudal kingdoms, with some similarities to present times -- economic depression, roving bands of lawless types, necessitating walled cities, mass migrations, etc.
But the monks, during this time, and long before the printing press, quietly and prayerfully kept learning alive -- dedicating their lives to copying the bible by hand, as well as other worthwhile books. Bibles in fact were so prized that they were sometimes donated and chained in the churches, much like phone books used to be fastened with a cable, to keep them from being stolen from phone booths.
While civilzation struggled some, Christianity actually thrived. During the late middle ages (say, 1200-1400 anyway), there are many examples of magnificent cathedrals being built -- to glorify God and uplift the soul. Both rich and poor worked, often shoulder to shoulder, pulling carts of building supplies, and artisans dedicated years of their lives to contributing artwork, in some cases placed where only God would see it.
In most European languages -- and including older English, the word "pray" simply meant "to ask". The oldest Christian martyrs tombs (some dating to 1st and 2nd century!) are often covered in very ancient grafitti, and notes left in crevices, asking the deceased to pray for them, to also be faithful and make it to heaven. It was also assumed (for good reasons) that those in heaven were allowed to convey the prayers of those on earth to God. In any case, the requests of prayer, to angels and to saints, are no more and no less, what Christians on earth would typically request of one another -- hey, please pray for me -- I have an exam, or a problem, or a doubt, or a sickness, and would appreciate your prayers, as you are closer to God. The saints are viewed as heroes, who "won the race" and are confirmed in heaven, and "the prayers of the just availeth much". With Mary, not only was she mother of Jesus, but also in a real sense given to us, and us to her, by Jesus' last words on the cross. Catholics do not confuse adoration and worship (due to God alone) with the humble respect and admiration they have for his saints and angels -- who are merely his creatures, but ones who love us, and form a "cloud of witnesses" cheering those of us still on earth, and encouraging us with their prayers.