It is found in ancient codices of the Divine Office for Vespers on Marian feasts. Today it is still in use in the Divine Office, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin, and as a Benediction hymn.
Ave Maris Stella
Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix caeli porta. Sumens illud Ave, Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Hevae nomen. Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen caecis: Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce. Monstra t(e) esse matrem, Sumat per te preces, Qui pro nobis natus, Tulit esse tuus. Virgo singularis, Inter omnes mitis, Nos culpis solutos, Mites fac et castos. Vitam praesta puram, Iter para tutum: Ut videntes Iesum, Semper collaetemur. Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus. Amen. |
"Ave Maris Stella" in English
Hail, bright star of ocean, God's own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva's name. Break the captives' fetters, Light on blindness pour, All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thy Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild, Freed from guilt, preserve us, Pure and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy forevermore. Through the highest heaven, To the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. |