“All generations will call me blessed” [Luke 1:48]: “The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship.” The Church rightly honors “the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of ‘Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. . This very special devotion. It differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration.” The liturgical feasts dedicated to the mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an “epitome of the whole Gospel,” express this devotion to the Virgin Mary. (CCC 971)
0927 Mary Star of the Sea The Prayer of Saint Pope John Paul II to Our Lady Star of the Sea
Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea.
As we set forth upon the oceans of the world and cross the deserts of our time, show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your son we are lost.
Pray that we will never fail on life’s journey, that in heart and mind, word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say,
‘Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?’
Our Lady of Peace, pray for us!
Bright Star of the Sea, guide us!
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for seafarers, pray for us.
Amen.
Ave Maris Stella (Hail Star of the Sea)
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 confirms within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implores.
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 for evermore
Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three
Father, Son, and Sprit
One same glory be,
Amen.
Prayer
O God, you have willed that Mary should shine forth as the Star of the Sea and protectress for us who are tossed about on the stormy waves.
Grant that through her help and direction, we may be safe from dangers of soul and body, reaching the port of eternal happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Star of the Sea, Light Our Way
Star of the Sea so radiant in the glory of God’s Love,
Your crown outshining all the stars of heaven up above,
O, lovely Queen of Peace, gowned in azure’s of the sea,
Help us find the way to Jesus, in your wise serenity.
We ask you Pearl of Grace to grant us vision, courage, will,
So ‘peace on earth’, that miracle, at last might be fulfilled!
Dear Mother of the Church, blessed beacon of God’s Light,
May you always guide your children on the stormy seas of life.
Make our hearts into safe harbors, where dear Jesus is received
Hear our prayer, O, Spiritual Vessel, Mother of God, Star of the Sea.
Star of Sea and Ocean
Star of sea and ocean, Gateway to God’s haven,
Mother of our Maker, Hear our prayer, O Maiden.
Welcoming the Ave, Gabriel’s simple greeting,
You have borne a Savior Far beyond all dreaming.
Loose the bonds that hold us Bound in sin’s own blindness
That with eyes now opened God’s own light may guide us.
Show yourself our mother; He will hear your pleading
Whom your womb has sheltered
And whose hand brings healing.
Gentlest of all virgins, that our love be faithful
Keep us from all evil, Gentle, strong, and grateful.
Guard us through life’s dangers, never turn and leave us
May our hope find harbor in the calm of Jesus.
Sing to God our Father Through the Son who saves us,
Joyful in the Spirit, Everlasting praises
