Embracing the Beauty and Mystery of Stella Maris
As we journey through Lent together, it's a joy to share with you the beauty Stella Maris, which is sung during Vespers on the Feast of the Annunciation.
Introducing Stella Maris
As we journey through Lent together, it's a joy to share with you the beauty Stella Maris, which is sung during Vespers on the Feast of the Annunciation.
The origins of Stella Maris are shrouded in a bit of mystery. It has been attributed to several people, including Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), Venantius Fortunatus (6th century), and Hermannus Contractus (11th century). From a western rite Orthodox Christian perspective, this hymn holds a special place in our hearts as we reflect on the Theotokos, Mary, the Mother of God.
Stella Maris Lyrics
Now, let's immerse ourselves in the poetic splendor of Stella Maris. Here is the text of the hymn, first in Latin, and then in English.
Latin
Ave maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix cæli porta.Sumens illud Ave
Gabriélis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Hevæ nomen.Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen cæcis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus,
Tulit esse tuus.Virgo singuláris,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solútos
Mites fac et castos.Vitam præsta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut vidéntes Iesum,
Semper collætémur.Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spirítui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus.Amen.
English
Ave, star of ocean,
Child divine who barest,
Mother, ever-Virgin,
Heaven's portal fairest.Taking that sweet Ave
Erst by Gabriel spoken,
Eva's name reversing,
Be of peace the token.Break the sinners' fetters,
Light to blind restoring,
All our ills dispelling,
Every boon imploring.
Show thyself a motherIn thy supplication;
He will hear who chose thee
At his incarnation.Maid all maids excelling,
Passing meek and lowly,
Win for sinners pardon,
Make us chaste and holy.As we onward journey
Aid our weak endeavour,
Till we gaze on Jesus
And rejoice forever.Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in One confessing,
Give we equal glory
Equal praise and blessing.Amen.
Meditation on Stella Maris
As we read and sing Stella Maris, we can't help but be moved by its words, which express the glory and mystery of Mary's role as the Mother of God. This hymn highlights her unique place in salvation history as the one who bore Christ, our Redeemer.
Star of the Ocean, Sure Guide of Humanity
The hymn calls Mary the "star of ocean" and "Heaven's portal fairest," emphasizing her role in guiding us, much like a star guides sailors on their journey. Mary brings the light of Jesus into the darkness of our lives and leads us toward Christ.
Consolation of Eve
Stella Maris also recalls the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Ave Maria." In the hymn, we ask Mary to "be of peace the token" by reversing the name of Eve (Hevæ) and bringing redemption to humanity.
Liberator and Mother
We implore Mary to intercede for us, to break the chains of our sins, restore sight to the blind, dispel our troubles, and request all good things on our behalf. In seeking her intercession, we acknowledge Mary's unique relationship with her Son, Jesus, and her role as our spiritual mother.
Crown Jewel of the Kingdom of God
In the hymn, we praise Mary as the "Maid all maids excelling" and ask her to obtain pardon for our sins, make us chaste and holy, and aid us in our journey toward Christ. Through her intercession and guidance, we hope to one day gaze upon Jesus in our resurrected flesh and rejoice in His presence forever.
As Stella Maris comes to a close, we offer praise and blessing to the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acknowledging the equal glory and unity of the Godhead.
Conclusion
This Lenten season, let us take time to meditate on the beauty and meaning of Stella Maris, and open our hearts to the transformative power of the Theotokos' love and intercession. As we walk together through these days of penitence, reflection, and spiritual growth, may Mary, the Star of the Ocean, guide us ever closer to her Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.