Ave Maris Stella was one of the most popular hymns of the Middle Ages. Believed to have been originally composed in the 8th or 9th century, the hymn hails the Blessed Virgin as Mother of God, Star of the Sea, and mediator between God and Man. This song serves to remind us that it is through the hands of Our Lady – the Gate of Heaven – that our works and prayers pass to Our Lord. This saving role of Our Lady features strongly in St. Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration to Mary
This particular Gregorian form of Ave Maris Stella is both dignified and easy to learn, making it an excellent hymn even for those who are not accustomed to singing. The innocence expressed in the tune complements the spirit of devotion to Our Lady. Children especially benefit from learning Ave Maris Stella, as it can instill a greater love of Our Lady as well as an appreciation for the Latin traditions of the Church.
Although the stanzas in red are not sung by this choir, they may be easily sung by any reader, since the music is the same.
Listen to Ave Maris Stella
Latin Lyrics:
Ave, Maris Stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper virgo,
Felix cœli porta.
Sumens illud Ave,
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Evae nomem.
Solve vincula reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.
Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te precem,
Qui pro nobis natus,
Tulit esse tuus.
Virgo singularis,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos,
Mite fac et castos.
Vitam praesta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntis Jesum,
Semper collaetemur.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus. Amen.
Translation:
Hail, O Star of the sea,
Nurturing Mother of God,
And ever Virgin,
Happy gate of Heaven.
Taking as ours that Ave,
With which Gabriel saluted You,
Establish us in peace,
Changing the name (inheritance) of Eve.
Break the chains of our sins,
Give light to our blindness,
Expel evil from us,
And pray for all blessings.
Show yourself to be a Mother:
Take the prayers we offer you,
To Him, who was born for us,
So that He accepts them as yours.
O most excellent Virgin ,
Mildest of the mild,
Absolve our guilt,
Make us mild and chaste.
Give us a pure life,
Make our path secure,
So that we may find in Jesus,
The perpetual joy.
Praise to God the Father,
To the Most High Christ glory,
To the Holy Spirit,
The same one honor to the Three. Amen.
