September 17 is the Feast of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
The title translates to Stella Maris in Latin.
Sources note that this is one of the oldest titles of our Lady, dating from early medieval period.
This title is “seen as allegorical of Mary's role as "guiding star" on the way to Christ. Under this name, the Virgin Mary is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of seafarers in particular.”
An account traces the title to “St. Jerome (who) translated Mary’s Hebrew name Miryam (drop of the sea) to Stilla Maris in Latin.
Stilla was later read as Stella (star), thus the Marian title, Stella Maris.
“Just as a star serves as a guiding light to sailors navigating through the darkness of the sea, Mary is our guide and protector as we navigate the turbulent waters of life.
In times of peril or uncertainty, sailors traditionally turned to the stars for guidance and safety.
Similarly, we look to Mary for protection and refuge, providing comfort and solace in times of trouble.
In the darkness of the sea, a star represents hope and salvation.
Likewise, Mary is symbol of hope for us in this dark world, offering reassurance and encouragement in the face of adversity.”
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux wrote in the 12th century:
"If the winds of temptation arise; if you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation look to the star, call on Mary. If you are tossed upon the waves of pride, of ambition, of envy, of rivalry, look to the star, call on Mary. Should anger, or avarice, or fleshly desire violently assail the frail vessel of your soul, look at the star, call upon Mary."
Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical Doctor Mellifluus, also quoted Bernard of Clairvaux in saying: "Mary… is interpreted to mean 'Star of the Sea'. This admirably befits the Virgin Mother… (for) as the ray does not diminish the brightness of the star, so neither did the Child born of her tarnish the beauty of Mary's virginity."
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, 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.”
Below is this contemporary 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.”