Antiphony of Mary: “Hail, Star of the Sea”

Marian Anthem «Ave Maris Stella»: Text and Theological Meaning

Antiphony

Ave, Star of the Sea,
Mother of God,
Ever Virgin Mary,
Happy Gate of Heaven.

Verse 1:

Hearing that “Ave” from Gabriel’s lips,
Establish us in peace,
Change the name of Eve.

Verse 2:

Break the chains of kings,
Bring light to the blind,
End our miseries,
Pray for all good things.

Verse 3:

Show yourself to be Mother,
Let your prayers avail
Who was born for us
To be forever yours.

Verse 4:

Unique Virgin,
Gentle among all,
Deliver us from sin,
Make us meek and pure.

Verse 5:

Grant us a pure life,
A safe journey,
So that we may always be happy
In seeing Jesus forever.

Final Acclamation:

Eternal praise to the Father,
Greatest honor to Christ,
And to the Holy Spirit,
One and the same glory. Amen.

Context

This hymn, «Ave Maris Stella», holds a significant place in Marian devotion and liturgy. Pope Paul VI, in his Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus, recognized this chant as a poetic and theological synthesis of Mary’s identity and mission.

Further Study:

Delve deeper into Mariology, explore Theology Mariana, study Apparitions Marian, or consider a Post-Graduate Degree in Mariology from the Locus Mariologicus.