English translation of
Ave Maris Stella
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.
Click here for the Latin lyrics.
Ave maris stella is a popular liturgical hymn of unknown origin. It can be dated back to at least the 9th century for it is preserved in the Codex Sangallensis, a 9th century manuscript now in the Swiss Monastery of St. Gallen. Its appearance in the Codex points to a composition in possibly the 8th century. The hymn is frequently attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a devout client of Our Lady, and sometimes has been attributed to King Robert (1031), both of whom are too late to have authored it. It has also been attributed to Venantius Fortunatus (d 609), who wrote many other ancient hymns, and Paul the Deacon (d 787).
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.
This is found on the following CD(s) in Latin:
Chant Compendium 1.
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