Our Lady, Star of the Sea, is an ancient title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The words Star of the Sea are a translation of the Latin title Stella Maris.

The title has been in use since at least the early medieval period. Purportedly arising from a scribal error in a supposed etymology of the name Mary, it came to be seen as allegorical of Mary’s role as “guiding star” on the way to Christ. Under this name, the Virgin Mary is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of seafarers in particular. Many coastal churches are named Stella Maris or Star of the Sea.

A guiding star for seafarers has led to devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, in many Catholic coastal and fishing communities. Numerous churches, schools and colleges are dedicated to “Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea”, or “Mary, Star of the Sea”.

Stella Maris Monastery, the foundation house of the Carmelite order, was established on Mount Carmel in Haifa in the early thirteenth century. The abbey was destroyed several times, but a refounded Stella Maris monastery is still considered the headquarters of the order.

Devotions to this title of Mary are found in the popular Catholic hymn, Hail Queen of Heaven, the Ocean Star and the ancient prayer Ave Maris Stella. The widely sung “Sicilian Mariners’ Hymn”, O Sanctissima, also reflects this devotion, as do Tamil hymns.

Our Lady, Star of the Sea, is the patroness of the Netherlands, as well as the American state of Hawaii. The Roman Catholic Church commemorates Our Lady, Star of the Sea, on 27 September.