Mary, Star of the Sea, Pray for Us!

Today we walked the streets of Haifa and Akko, seeing and smelling numerous things such as pomegranates, sea bass, pickles, and falafel, but I will remember it most for the etymology lesson that our guide Hani gave us. He said that the Hebrew word “mir” means star and the word “yam” means sea, and therefore the name “Miryam” means star of the sea. Miryam is the Hebrew name for Mary, the Mother of God, and our Star of the Sea. How beautiful is that? The name of Mary, our lady and mother is the star of the sea. Stella Maris is the title in Latin, and this is the name of the Carmelite Monastery which crowns Mount Carmel. 

Along the path to priesthood, Mary has played a significant role in many of our lives. I always think this is at least partially because seminarians often have holy mothers who pray fervently for us, their boys (don’t worry moms, we miss you too).

The fact is, God chose Mary, a lowly, young virgin in Nazareth to bear the Son of God. This is the beautiful mystery we ponder in Nazareth. Mary said yes to the will of God despite all of her fears, and this is the mystery we ponder in our own lives as we are on the brink of saying yes to God’s will at ordination. The Star of the Sea guides us on through the waves and breakers of the storm, and we trust that she, who reflects the bright light of her Son always, will lead us straight to Him. Some in our group have even pointed out how the dome of the Basilica of the Annunciation looks just like a Lighthouse.

This is the great and beautiful way we are walking here in Nazareth of Galilee. Through the mysteries of the Rosary, we enter into the mysteries of Christ’s life through Mary’s eyes, and now as we walk in his footsteps, I find myself pondering all that she first pondered in heart. How can it be that God took flesh? What is the meaning of this strong, peaceful and merciful God-man who brings life to so many? Who is Jesus and what does He ask of me?

Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us in the steps of your Son so that we may be more like Him, and lead us to his compassionate, merciful, and Sacred Heart. Then guide us home to our loved ones and those we are called to serve in the years to come. Stella Maris, Pray for us.