“Ave maris stella” (Latin for ‘Hail, star of the sea’) is a medieval Marian hymn. It is still in use in the Divine Office and in the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin.
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. Amen.
As Catholics, we pray to Mary for her intercession on our behalf because of her unique relationship with Jesus Christ as his mother. Mary is also our mother. Jesus extended her motherhood to all humanity when He was on the Cross (John 19:26-27). Mary loves her children and prays for them, and will ultimately lead us to her son, Jesus.