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Our Lady Stella Maris
 Stella Maris, is an ancient title for Our Lady, used by
seafarers and others associated with the sea.
The
Apostleship of the Sea has established many Stella Maris
seafarers centres and hostels around the world in honour of
our patron Our Lady Star of the Sea. Many
seafarers have come to know the Apostleship of the Sea as
Stella Maris.
The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for
People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady,
Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities.
Local churches and schools have been dedicated to Our Lady
Star of the Sea.
Just as
seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for
navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of
Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Photograph: This Neo-Coptic icon of Our Lady Stella Maris was painted
for the Apostleship of the Sea by Dr Stephane René a leading exponent of this sacred artistic tradition in
the West.
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Stella Maris' Prayer
O Mary, Star
of the Sea,
light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all
dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace
and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea.
As we set forth upon the oceans
of the world and cross the deserts of our time, show us, O
Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are
lost.
Pray that we will never fail on
life’s journey, that in heart and mind, in word and deed, in
days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to
Christ and say, “Who is this that even wind and sea obey
him?”
Our Lady Star of the Sea,
Pray for us. Amen
Pope John Paul II |
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