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At a Bible study with friends recently, we came across some verses in Ephesians 3 verses 8, 9, and 10. This brought about a discussion about the ranks of angels in relation to where we as men are placed by God (through salvation). Does God put us above the angels, due to salvation and out of adoption as sons of God in His likeness? This would match the praise that we offer to St. Mary when we say she is above the Cherubim and the Seraphim.

Angels are higher in rank but we get more privileges than them. Rather than saying we are above or below, know that mankind has a very special relationship with God. We are His children and His people. We pray in the litany of the Prime Hour, "You gave us the spirit of sonship."  None other of God's creation can claim this. The angels marvel at God's love for us and are assigned to watch over us as guardian angels when we were baptized. Some are assigned the role of messengers from God to us. We neither worship the angels and they cannot worship us or elevate us more than to be fellow servants with them. However, St. Mary has a unique relationship with God. Thus, He placed her above all His creation for she far exceeded all by her humility, which is also a unique attribute of God. She became God's throne and His dwelling place. The angels honor her and venerate her, as do we.

See the manner of speech between St. John the Beloved and the angel in the Holy Book of Revelation when he tried to worship before the angel's feet:

"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God'” (Revelation 22:8-9).