The melody is found in the Irish plainsong 'Gabhaim Molta Bríde', a piece in praise of St.

The hymn is frequently used as a prayer for safe-conduct for travelers. The title ' Star of the Sea' is one of the oldest and most widespread titles applied to Mary.

'Much of its charm is due to its simplicity'. The 'Ave maris stella' was highly influential in presenting Mary as a merciful and loving Mother. Its frequent occurrence in the Divine Office made it popular in the Middle Ages, many other hymns being founded upon it. Probably originating in the 9th century, it appears as a 10th century addition in two 9th-century manuscripts, one from Salzburg now in Vienna and the other still at the Abbey of Saint Gall. It was especially popular in the Middle Ages and has been used by many composers as the basis of other compositions.Īuthorship of the original hymn has been attributed to several people, including Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), Saint Venantius Fortunatus (6th century) and Hermannus Contractus (11th century). ' Ave maris stella' ( Latin for 'Hail, star of the sea') is a medieval Marian hymn, usually sung at Vespers. Ave maris stella in a 14th-century antiphonary

Hail mary in latin and english