Mary Star of the Sea Feast Day – Reflections and Resources from Franciscan Sisters

The first features a composition by U.W. Superior Professor Brett Jones, based on the traditional Marian Chant ‘Regina Caeli’, and insight from Duluth Diocese Bishop Daniel Felton.

https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2022/09/22/mary-star-of-the-sea-feast-day-devotion/

Reflected Jones, “I have always been intrigued by the titles of St. Mary, in particular ‘Star of the Sea.’  So, I set out to compose a vibraphone solo that I would perform in honor of Mary. The traditional Marian chant, ‘Regina Caeli,’ or Queen of Heaven, kept running through my head and can be heard surrounded by melodic flourishes in the middle of this piece. As we contemplate the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, may her light be a beacon that guides us to her Son, Jesus Christ.”

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux captured this moment and how we ought to respond in supplication to Mary in his twelfth century treatise “Homilies on the Gospel ‘Missus est’”: 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. “

Also, a brief history of her name’s origins by Madison Wisconsin Writer Meg Matenaer https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2022/09/24/why-do-we-call-mary-star-of-the-sea-by-meg-matenaer/

“The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions that this title of Mary originated from St. Jerome’s fifth century translation of Eusebius in which he translates Mary’s name in Hebrew—Miryam, meaning drop of the sea—into the Latin Stilla Maris, which later became Stella Maris due to a dialect of the Latin peasants.

Featured images are Star of the Sea Parish, San Francisco, California, and original icons of Our Lady Star of the Sea written by parish iconographer Pavel Tikhomirov, and Star of the Sea Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

May all our website visitors – not just from coastal parishes – be rejuvenated, refreshed and reassured by this reflection.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite Single Discerning or Pre-Discerning Catholic Women to explore online or in person Discernment Events or Retreats through 2022. Visit https://fscc-calledtobe.org/vocation-discernment-events/

About Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic Health Care, Education, Parishes and Campus Ministry outreach in the Southwest, Central and Upper Midwest United States. Learn more about the Franciscan Sisters’ latest ministries and vocations at https://fscc-calledtobe.org