Early Christian Devotion to the Saints: An Archeological Fact

According to a CNS Story, devotion to the saints, complete with depicting IMAGES of them, recently thought by radical protestants to be "idolotrous" was actually practiced in the early Church, long before the middle ages and long before the radical protestant rebellion. An excerpt from the article states:

At Rome's Catacombs of St. Thecla, in the burial chamber of a Roman noblewoman, they have discovered what they said are the oldest existing paintings of Sts. Peter, Paul, Andrew and John.

Saint Thecla, according to Catholic Encyclopedia, was a virgin of Iconium who converted to Christianity and led to dedicating a life to perpetual virginity by the preaching of the Apostle Paul. She followed the Apostle Paul to Antioch and then to Myra surviving the persecutions from death at the stake then from death by wild beasts. Modern day Catholic religious orders continue make vows of chastity in line with the tradition that the Apostle Paul inspired and in conformity with the admonitions of our Lord Himself when He said:

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39