Same answer on both counts: Jesus
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
I grew up in the Roman church. All of my family and many friends did as well.
I know what the average Roman thinks and believes because I have lived among them for my entire life.
A superstitious or talismanic use of rites and objects.
Ashes, Communion, the rosary, medals, scapulars, and similar things as if the object or the act itself carries protective or lucky power, apart from faith in Christ.