“Ave Maris Stella” is a traditional Catholic hymn from the ninth century that was made popular in the Middle Ages. The name means “Hail, Star of the Sea” and refers to this title of Mary, frequently used to ask for protection for sailors.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux had this to say about Mary as a guiding star for all of us:
“O you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land, if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this star. When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of tribulation, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride or ambition or slander or jealousy, call out to Mary. When rage or greed or fleshly desires are battering the skiff of your soul, gaze up at Mary. When the immensity of your sins weighs you down and you are bewildered by the loathsomeness of your conscience, when the terrifying thought of judgement appalls you and you begin to founder in the gulf of sadness and despair, think of Mary. In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary.
Keep her in your mouth, keep her in your heart. Follow the example of her life and you will obtain the favour of her prayer. Following her you will never go astray. Asking her help, you will never despair. Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in hers, you will never stumble. With her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through to the end.”
Listen to the hymn here:
Latin Lyrics
Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix caeli porta.
Sumens illud Ave, Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Hevae nomen.
Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen caecis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce.
Monstra t(e) esse matrem, Sumat per te preces, Qui pro nobis natus, Tulit esse tuus.
Virgo singularis, Inter omnes mitis, Nos culpis solutos, Mites fac et castos.
Vitam praesta puram, Iter para tutum, Ut videntes Iesum, Semper collaetemur.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus.
Amen.
English Lyrics
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, All our 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.
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