Novena to Mary Star of the Sea
Contents
Show HideWhat started as a possible typo has led to a beautiful devotion to Our Blessed Mother. The title of Mary, Star of the Sea refers to the translation and meaning of Mary’s name. However, it also extends much deeper than that, to embrace all of the care the Blessed Mother has over her children.
Pray the Mary, Star of the Sea novena with us to ask for the Blessed Mother’s intercession!
About Mary, Star of the Sea
It can be a little disappointing to discover that the devotion to Mary, Star of the Sea originates from a typo. But what a wonderful metaphor for how God can use human error for such good!
The Blessed Mother was first referred to as “Star of the Sea” in the fifth century by St. Jerome. He was dissecting what Mary’s Hebrew name “Miryam” meant. “Miryam” means drop of the sea. St. Jerome translated the meaning in Latin, which is “Stilla Maris.” Later on, his writings were retranslated and “Stilla Maris” became “Stella Maris”: Star of the Sea.
Both translations are rich in theological meaning. First, as drop in the sea, it beautifully captures the impact that Mary’s “yes” had on the salvation of the world. One poor, unimportant Jewish girl’s trust in God was the drop the world needed to be saved. Her yes impacted everything else after it, in a ripple effect similar to a drop in the ocean. On the surface, it may not look like that drop is needed compared to the vast ocean, but it is.
Second, as Star of the Sea, Mary is literally the star that guides us to Jesus. Like the star the Wise Men saw in the sky that stopped where Jesus lay, Mary can be our guiding star, pointing us to where Jesus is. Likewise, she can help to calm the storms of life that rage about us, similar to the literal storms that rock and shake the sea.
Whatever the actual translation, the name of Mary as Star of the Sea stuck throughout the centuries. Quite a devotion to Mary has sprung under this title. Sailors in particular understood the importance of guiding stars. Without the assistance of GPS or even maps, sailors relied solely on the guidance of key stars in the sky to navigate where they were going.
In the same way, faithful Catholics understood Mary as their guiding star to Jesus. Without access to a map to heaven, following Mary’s will and heart would surely lead to Jesus. Taking the metaphor even further, many began to equate Mary with the North Star of heaven. Without a doubt, Mary is considered to be the central and greatest saint in heaven, so following her lead is sure to bring one to the best Final Destination.
In modern day, devotion to Mary under the title of Star of the Sea remains strong. The depiction of Mary on the Miraculous Medal, given to St. Catherine Labouré, features her image. Many churches and schools are named in her honor under this title. The Apostleship of the Sea claims Mary, Star of the Sea as their patroness over their work of spiritual support to those who work at sea.
Feast Day: September 27
Why Pray the Mary, Star of the Sea Novena?
We all experience storms in life. Whether physical or figurative, these storms can shake our faith to the core. Mary, Star of the Sea is there to guide you through these rocky waves back to Her Son, who is waiting for you. Praying the Mary, Star of the Sea novena can be spiritually healing for those who are experiencing (or praying for someone experiencing) the storms of life.
If you or someone you know work at sea, Mary, Star of the Sea is an excellent patroness. The Mary, Star of the Sea novena is a wonderful novena to pray for safety prior to a trip by sea or for those who work or serve in the military by sea.
You can pray the Mary, Star of the Sea novena for any intention!
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea Prayers
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O Lord, thank You for the gift of Your mother. Her inspiration truly lights the way for us as we make our way through life trying to love You as best we can.
Mary, your example makes me feel like maybe I can achieve sainthood too. While I’ll never be as selfless and wonderful as you were, the fact that you were a human just like me makes me realize the wonderful things I can achieve when I allow God to work through me.
Star of the Sea, I know that all I have to do to love your Son is follow your lead. You loved our Lord wholeheartedly, and not just because He was your Son. Before you even knew Him, you said yes to being His mother. Despite all of the hardships that decision would bring you, you said yes. You endured not only ridicule and being outcast for being a virgin mother, but you also had to put up with lots of hurried travel to keep Him safe. Plus, there was the confusion and hardship as you watched at Jesus’ ministry and death.
Yet, through it all, you kept saying yes. And so I’ll keep saying yes, too.
Blessed Mother, guide me. Mother of God, lead me. Star of the Sea, pray for me!
Please also keep in mind my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Mary, under the title “Star of the Sea,” many of those who travel or work at sea turn to you for not only guidance, but also intercession and protection. They rely on you not just to lead them to your Son, but also to lead them throughout their journeys.
Whether or not one works at sea, we all seem to go through different storms in life, Mary. Storms can take a number of forms: financial troubles, illness, broken relationships, lost jobs or houses, and so many other troubles.
Mary, Star of the Sea, can I ask that you guide me through these rough waters in my life? Lead me through both those I am going through now and those ahead.
I also ask that you watch over all those who travel or work at sea, that you may guide them through the very real and physical rough waters they traverse.
Please also pray for my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord, the natural world, Your creation, reveals Your glory. No wonder I see You in everything around me!
There’s an inexplicable peace that being by the sea brings, Mary. The rhythm of the waves, the sparkling reflections, and the never-ending horizon bring calm upon my heart that I don’t feel elsewhere, Mary.
Star of the Sea, can you bring that peace into my heart every day? Flood my soul with calmness. Bring evenness to the troubles that shake my faith in God. As my life ebbs and flows like the water, help me to find serenity in routine. Leave me breathless in gratitude for all of the blessings I have been given.
Please also pray for my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Mary, you were the closest that any human person has been to Jesus. You carried the Savior of the world in your belly for nine months! You nurtured Him, cared for Him as a baby, and helped Him to become the Man He was.
Sometimes, I don’t appreciate your Son the way I should, Mary. In the crazy hustle of this world, I forget to stop and talk to Him throughout the day. I find myself trusting in my own ideas rather than His.
Mary, can you guide me to your Son? Help me to find Him in the winding path of life. Give me the grace to hear His voice when He calls me. Remind me to call on Him in times of trouble and thank Him in times of blessing. Help me to know Him as you know Him: intimately, like a trusted family member and friend.
To Jesus through Mary!
Please also keep in mind my other intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord, thank you for the great gift of your mother. Without her intercession, so many of us would be lost! We know that all of those intentions we bring to her, she passes right along to You. Please, Lord, listen to your mother’s requests, which she ponders in her heart. Let Your love and affection for her bring mercy and peace into the world, especially those who turn to her for intercession.
Mary, we see in the Bible how much Jesus loves you. His first miracle is at your request. Your heart is moved by the smallest of troubles - another’s embarrassment - and you believe that your Son can fix it. He seems to resist at first, but you know He won’t deny the longings of your heart. And so when the waiters look at you, you tell them to “do whatever He tells you.” You believe in Him and He grants the desire of your heart out of love.
So many bring their petitions to you daily, O Star of the Sea! Through the Rosary and other prayers, the faithful bring their concerns to you just like you brought them to Christ, hoping you’ll relay them to your Son. And through this relationship, you not only bring their petitions to the Lord; you also bring them closer to Him.
Today, I ask add my petition to theirs, asking you to intercede on behalf of all who turn to you in their struggles. I know that no matter how small the request, you keep it close to your heart. Comfort all who ask for you intercession, Mary.
Can I add to your load of prayers? I also ask that you keep in mind my own intentions:
(State your intentions)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
You could have said no, Mary.
When the Angel Gabriel asked you to be the mother of God, you could have refused. Despite your Immaculate Conception, you still had free will.
And yet, your fiat, your simple yes, was uttered, thus saving all of the world.
Thank you, God, for the great gift of this yes!
Mary, sometimes I struggle to say “yes” to God. What He is asking of me is much smaller than what He asked of you. Yet I struggle to trust. I am afraid that He will turn out to be false or I won’t like where His will leads.
Star of the Sea, please guide me towards that “yes.” Shine the light of truth and trust in my heart. Lead me towards the joy that is found in following God’s path. Allow my “yes” to God to effect change just like yours did.
Please also intercede on behalf of my other intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
When I look at Your Cross, Jesus, I realize mine isn’t so hard to bear. Yet, I still falter sometimes when I’m asked to make sacrifices.
You certainly had your share of sacrifices, Mary. It’s never easy to be a mother, but to be the Mother of God had to be even harder. The ridicule, the constant movement, and the knowledge that a sword would pierce your heart in regards to this wonderful son of yours must have plagued your life.
And yet, you said yes anyway.
Mary, I know in comparison to your Son that my trials are nothing. Yet, I still find my crosses hard to carry sometimes. When I am feeling sorry for myself because of my hardships, can you remind me of yours? Help me to smile more. Remind me to say thank you before complaining. Allow me to grow in the virtues of patience and love that you so amply possessed.
Please also keep in mind my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Thank You, God, for the sacrifices so many men and women in the military make for my protection. Please bless them for their service and their great love for others.
Mary, you are the patroness of the sea. So many in our military do their work at sea. Whether traveling or fighting, they need your protection.
Please bless them for their sacrifices. Watch over them and bring them home safely to their families. Calm their fears and the fears of their loved ones. Entrust them to your Son’s watchful eye and hand.
Even better, I pray that you intercede on your behalf that all wars may come to an end. May we live in the harmony and unity your Son tried to establish!
I also ask that you keep in mind my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to Mary Star of the Sea - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In Genesis 3:15, we read that You promised to put “enmity between” the seed of woman and Satan, God. That promise was fulfilled in Mary, as she crushed the head of Satan once and for all through her Son, Jesus.
You’re often depicted with your heel grinding into Satan’s head, Mary. Your “yes” to fulfilling God’s will is what allowed salvation to enter the world.
Yet, Satan is still all too real in this world.
I can feel him try to tempt me away from God, Mary. His evil forces are in the world around me and in my thoughts. I try to resist him, but I am not always successful.
Can you guide me away from evil, O Star of the Sea, and into the arms of your Son?
Continue to crush Satan with your intercession, Mary. Stand firm in your protection of me and all who flee to you. Guard as you did your Son and conquer Satan once and for all.
Please intercede on my behalf, Mary, for all of my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us to Your Son!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.