Prayer to Our Lady, Star of the Sea

Christians have called upon Mary as “Star of the Sea” for many centuries, seeing in her a “star” that guides Christians to her Son, Jesus.

Here is a hymn, Ave Maris Stella, attributed to various saints, that may have originally been composed in the 9th century.

Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.

Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
Allour ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.

Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be.

Amen.

Read more:The surprising meaning behind the Virgin Mary’s name

Read more:The “Jesus Boat,” an archeological treasure from the Sea of Galilee