Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invited the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS-USA) to share what the patronage of Mary Star of the Sea means to them. AOS-USA installed a Marbel Roundel of Our Lady Star of the Sea in the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Find images in this blog post along with Mary Morning Star stained glass window from St. Mary Mother of God Parish, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
During my 21 years at sea as a Merchant Marine Officer, I had a special devotion to Mary, Star of the Sea.
In heavy weather, I would pray for her to safely guide my ship and my decisions to ride out the storm. On those perfect days at sea when sunsets and sunrises would be spectacular, I would thank her and God for blessing me with a career I loved.
To this day I still send up a thank you prayer when I am near or on the sea.
-President, Capt. George P. McShea, Jr.
The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS-USA) is an organization that assists Cruise Ship Lines with the placement of Catholic priests to minister to the Lines traveling clientele and staff. AOS-USA claims Mary, Star of the Sea, whose Feast Day is September 27, as their patroness over their work of spiritual support to those who work and play at sea.
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.
-Secretary of the Board, Fr. Charles Ruoff
Prayer of Saint Pope John Paul II to Our Lady Star of the Sea from the Apostleship of the Sea Website
Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea.
As we set forth upon the oceans of the world and cross the deserts of our time, show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are lost.
Pray that we will never fail on life’s journey, that in heart and mind, word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say,
‘Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?’
Our Lady of Peace, pray for us!
Bright Star of the Sea, guide us!
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for seafarers, pray for us.
-Amen
