Our Lady, Star of the Sea
Star of the Sea | |
|---|---|
| Venerated in | Catholic Church, Anglican Communion |
| Feast | 27 September (Apostleship of the Sea) |
| Attributes | Mary with a star, standing over the ocean, holding a ship or an anchor |
| Patronage | Seafarers, sailors, fishermen, the Apostleship of the Sea, and travelers |
| Symbolism & Origins | |
| Etymology & History | |
| Latin Name | Stella Maris |
| Earliest Source | St. Jerome (5th Century) |
| Hymn | Ave Maris Stella |
| Significance | Guide and protector of those at sea |
| Major Shrine | Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa, Israel |
Our Lady, Star of the Sea is an ancient title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The words Star of the Sea are a translation of the Latin title Stella Maris.
The title has been in use since at least the early medieval period. Purportedly arising from a scribal error in a supposed etymology of the name Mary, it came to be 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. Many coastal churches are named Stella Maris or Star of the Sea.