What’s behind the name?
Stella Maris Catholic Weddings and Events was inspired by Our Blessed Lady's Title of Star of the Sea in order to encourage and foster a source of hope and encouragement through the uncertainty of the journey of answering the Vocation to Holy Matrimony. Under Her title and patronage, we hope to be that guiding light and sense of peace amidst the chaos of what it takes to put on your event to make your big day the best, always and forever centered on Christ!
Hail, you Star of Ocean! Portal of the sky,
Ever Virgin Mother, of the Lord most high.
O! by Gabriel's Ave, uttered long ago,
Eva's name reversing, establish peace below. Break the captive's fetters; light on blindness pour; All our ills expelling, every bliss implore. Show yourself a mother; offer him our sighs, Who for us Incarnate did not you despise. Virgin of all virgins! To your shelter take us; Gentlest of the gentle! Chaste and gentle make us. Still as on we journey, help our weak endeavor, Till with you and Jesus we rejoice forever. Through the highest heaven, to the Almighty Three, Father, Son, and Spirit, One same glory be.
The Latin version of this prayer, Ave, Maris Stella, can be traced to the late eighth/early ninth century. The title, Star of the Sea, is one of the oldest and most widely spread titles for Mary. The prayer is often used to pray for travelers. Mary herself is a sign of hope for a safe arrival to one's destination. In the midst of turbulence, where storms may burst and waves swell beneath exteriors of ourselves, we look to Mary. Our Mama always points us through the storms, a guiding star on the horizon, to the rising sun (or Risen SON!).
Fun Fact: Lauren launched Stella Maris on the Official Feast Day of September 27th and didn't even know it!