Stella Maris

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea. Ancient tradition has revered Mary the Mother of God under the title Our Lady Star of the Sea or Stella Maris . Our Lady is known around the world to have guided sailors safely to shore when the seas were rough and the storms were raging. Saint Therese says that Mary is our mother, our sister, and our queen.  Mary always leads the way to her Son, Jesus Christ. Mary is a pilgrim and accompanies us and guides us on our journey of life, so we reach the shores of heaven unharmed from sin.  The monastery on Mount Carmel in Holyland is named in honor of our Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris. 
Flos Carmeli is an ancient hymn to Our Lady sung in Latin by the Carmelites to this very day. Below is the English translation:  
Mother so tender,
Who no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
Thy favours bestow.
Star of the Sea.

Strong stem of Jesse,
Who bore one bright flower,
Be ever near us
And guard us each hour,
who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies,
That flowers among thorns,
Bring help to the true heart
That in weakness turns
and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armour,
We trust in thy might:
Under thy mantle,
Hard press'd in the fight,
we call to thee.

Our way uncertain,
Surrounded by foes,
Unfailing counsel
You give to those
who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother
Who in Carmel reigns,
Share with your servants
That gladness you gained
and now enjoy.

Hail, Gate of Heaven,
With glory now crowned,
Bring us to safety
Where thy Son is found,
true joy to see.
Amen. (Alleluia.)