The name Stella Maris has its origins in a 5th-century translation by St. Jerome of the Hebrew name for Mary, Miryam. Written as Stilla Maris, it meant “Drop of the Sea.”
Through what was likely a transcription error, this was later changed to Stella Maris: “Star of the Sea.” It has been a beloved title of Mary, especially for seafarers before the time of modern navigation, when they relied on the stars to lead their way. The North Star, Polaris, was also referred to as Stella Maris.
Not limited to seafarers, Stella Maris is for all of life’s travelers, illuminating the darkness, a beacon of hope piercing the fog and leading us to the bright shores of eternity.
