“STAR OF THE SEA” is an ancient title for the Blessed Virgin Mary, first used in the 9th century, translated from the Latin “Stella Maris”. This title emphasizes Mary’s role as a sign of hope and as a guiding star for Christians. Mary, Star of the Sea, is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of those who travel or seek their livelihoods on the sea. Under this title, she is patroness of the Catholic missions to seafarers and many local churches are aptly named STAR OF THE SEA or Stella Maris. In the 12th century St. Bernard wrote: “If the winds of temptation arise; if you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation, look to the star, call on Mary. If you are tossed upon the waves of pride, of ambition, of envy, of rivalry, look to the star, call on Mary. Should anger, or avarice, or fleshly desire violently assail the frail vessel of your soul, look at the star, call on Mary.”