Ave Maris Stella is a beloved Vespers hymn honoring Mary as the Star of the Sea, guiding the faithful through the storms of life to the safe harbor of heaven.
English
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.
Show thyself a Mother;
may the Word divine,
born for us thine Infant,
hear our prayers through thine.
Keep our life all spotless,
make our way secure,
till we find in Jesus
joy forevermore. Amen.
Latin
Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
atque semper Virgo,
felix caeli porta.
Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
funda nos in pace,
mutans Hevae nomen.
Monstra te esse matrem,
sumat per te preces,
qui pro nobis natus,
tulit esse tuus. Amen.
Origin: A Vespers hymn preserved in 9th-century manuscripts. The wordplay on "Ave" (Gabriel's greeting) and "Eva" (Eve) reversed reflects Mary as the "New Eve."