Avis Maria Stella

The hymn Ave Maris Stella (Hail Star of the Sea) printed below in English is a wonderful tribute, both in prayer and song, to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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.