DESCRIPTION:
Ave Maris Stella is a popular liturgical hymn of unknown origin. It can be dated back to at least the 9th century for it is preserved in the Codex Sangallensis 95, a 9th century manuscript now in the Swiss Monastery of St. Gallen. Its appearance in the Codex points to a composition in possibly the 8th century. The hymn is frequently attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) and sometimes has been attributed to King Robert (1031), both of whom are too late to have authored it. It has also been attributed to Venantius Fortunatus (d 609) and Paul the Deacon (d 787). It is found in ancient codices of the Divine Office for Vespers on Marian feasts. Today it is still in use in the Divine Office and in the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin.

Hail, Star of the sea! Blessed Mother of God, yet ever a virgin! O
happy gate of heaven!

Thou that didst receive the Ave from Gabriel's lips, confirm us in
peace, and so let Eva be changed into an Ave of blessing for us.

Loose the sinner's chains, bring light to the blind, drive from us
our evils, and ask all good things for us.

Show thyself a mother, and offer our prayers to him, who would be
born of thee, when born for us.

O incomparable Virgin, and meekest Or the meek, obtain us the
forgiveness of our sins, and make us meek and chaste.

Obtain us purity of life, and a safe pilgrimage; that we may be
united with thee in the blissful vision of Jesus.

Praise be to God the Father and to the Lord Jesus, and to the Holy
Ghost: to the Three one self-same praise.

Amen.