For more than a thousand years, Catholics have called the Blessed Mother Stella Maris, or “Star of the Sea.” But where did this beautiful title come from?
St. Jerome may have played an indirect role. While examining the meaning of Mary’s Hebrew name, Jerome was associated with the Latin expression stilla maris, meaning “drop of the sea.” But somewhere along the way, stilla became stella... perhaps it was even a copyist's error. A “drop of the sea” became a “star of the sea.” And the new title endured.
By the ninth century, Christians were already singing the ancient Marian hymn Ave Maris Stella, “Hail, Star of the Sea.”
In a world where sailors depended upon the stars to find their way, many would have found this meaning understandable. Mary does something similar for Christians. Mary is always pointing to her Son, Jesus.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux captured this beautifully in his 12th-century treatise, Homilies on the Gospel “Missus Est.” Writing about the storms and temptations of life, he urged Christians:
“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.”
He continued by telling those facing danger, distress, or uncertainty to think of Mary and call upon her, trusting her to help guide them safely toward the harbor. Pope Benedict XVI later quoted this same passage when speaking of Mary as Stella Maris.
More than 800 years later, his advice to Christians when we are being tossed around by the storms of life remains simple:
Look to the Star. Call on Mary.
This beautiful Stella Maris Star of the Sea Unframed Print depicts Mary beneath a star-filled sky, a beautiful visual reminder to turn to Our Lady when life feels uncertain and ask her to lead us closer to Christ.
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