Today we celebrate the optional memorial of the Holy Name of Mary.
In January, we celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus. September seems to be a fitting month of celebrating the Holy Name of Mary since on the 8th we celebrate her birthday.
Mary, Our Lady, the star of the sea.
Here is a tid bit from St. Bernard, "Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary … in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart … If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination."
Mary in Hebrew simply means, "Lady." As Jesus is Our Lord, Mary is Our Lady.
A quick glance at the history and development of the word and meaning of "Lady" reveals a few subtleties that are very telling.
First, the word "lady" referred to one who kneaded bread or one who was a dough baker. Of course, JEsus being the bread of life, the obvious connection rise to the front as to why Mary is Our Lady.
But the word "lady" quickly became a title, "Lady" which indicated a particular rank in society. A Lady was one of superior position in society, whose manners and sensibilities befit high ranking, a woman who was as an object of chivalrous love.
Today we celebrate the name of MAry, Our lady, who certainly as the highest ranking in our society. She certainly is and should be an object of chivalrous love.
Our Lady is often given the title of Star of the Sea, Stella Maris.
Pope Benedict in his encyclical Spe Salve, commented on Mary as the Star of the Sea.
"Human life is a journey. Life is like a voyage on the sea of history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in which we watch for the stars that indicate the route. The true stars of our life are those who lived good lives. They are light of hope. JEsus is the true light, the sun that has risen above the shadows of history. But to reach him we need lights close by-people who shine with his light and so guide us along the way. WHo more than Mary could be the star of hope for us. With her "yes" she opened the door of our world to God himself; she became the living Ark of the Covenant, i whom God took flesh, became one of us, pitched his tent among us. "
Like a fixed Constellation helping us navigate the waters of life, Mary points us toward our destination and She guides on the way by her example, "behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to the word!"
Here is the english version of the latin hymn: Ave stella Maris (star of the sea)
1. Hail, bright star of ocean,
God's own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
2. Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva's name.
3. Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
4. Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
5. Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
6. Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.
7. Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
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