NOVENA TO ST. MARY, STAR OF THE SEA
(To be recited daily from 19th-27th September inclusive)
Star of sea and ocean,
Gateway to God’s heaven,
Mother of our Maker,
Hear our prayer, O Maiden.
Welcoming the Ave,
Gabriel’s simple greeting,
You have borne a Saviour
Far beyond all dreaming.
Loose the bonds that hold us
Bound in sin’s own blindness
That with eyes now opened
God’s own light may guide us.
Show yourself our mother;
He will hear your pleading
Whom your womb has sheltered
And whose hand brings healing.
Gentlest of all virgins,
That our love be faithful
Keep us from all evil,
Gentle, strong, and grateful.
Guard us through life’s dangers,
Never turn and leave us
May our hope find harbour
In the calm of Jesus.
Sing to God our Father
Through the Son who saves us,
Joyful in the Spirit,
Everlasting praises.
Let us pray: Through the stormy waters of this life, guide us with your unfailing love and intercession, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. Though the headwind be strong and the night dark and uncertain, may your Star shine more strongly still upon our hearts and minds. Protect our loved ones, change the hearts of all who would do us harm and give us the intrepid hope of all who believe in the eternal victory of your Son. Bring us to harbour in the Kingdom of light and peace where, with all who have gone before us, we will see you, Mother of Divine Grace, in the Glory of your Son, our Redeemer and our Lord. Amen.