Saint Ildephonsus honors Mary as the Star of the Sea—our radiant guide through life’s trials and the sure path to salvation. Exalted above all creation, she leads the faithful safely to the harbor of God’s grace. This excerpt was taken from Crown of the Virgin.
The 10th Place in the Crown of the Virgin
That we should fervently praise and bless you, O Holy Mother of Christ, we are constantly advised by the word of Sacred Scripture. We are instructed by the examples of the saints, encouraged by the many generous benefits you grant us, and inspired by your miraculous graces. For you bore God himself to mortals. You achieved true peace for this world. You overcame and conquered the devil, and you brought restoration to the human race. Through your unfailing intercession, you obtain for your devotees every imaginable boon and blessing, both in heaven and on earth! You are, in truth:
the most noble throne of the Holy Trinity;
the beauteous and virginal bridal chamber
of the Incarnate Word;
the most precious jewel adorning the crown
of the Eternal Emperor;
the most beloved daughter of the Highest
Father;
the most adored bride of the Holy Spirit;
the Mistress and Queen of both angels and
humankind.
You are—in yourself—an entire and wondrous choir of heavenly harmony, filled with supernal wisdom, resplendent with holy radiance, brilliant in all virtue, perfect in beauty! You shine amidst an array of priceless, fiery gemstones—that is amongst the glory of all the hosts of angels and archangels. In sanctity, you are exalted above all others in the paradise of God, as a noble cedar towering above the other trees of a viridescent and majestic forest. You are the highest of the Seraphim, winged with six snow-plumed pinions. Inflamed with the Creator’s love, you soar in an endless flight of rapture, in the beatific contemplation of the majesty of the Divinity.
Therefore I—although unworthy—am desirous of honoring such an illustrious Lady. Hence I place in the tenth position in your crown the Star of the Sea. This light faithfully directs the wandering sailor and all those who strive to navigate across the perilous waves of the endless ocean of life. It encourages them and guides them and finally leads them to the harbor of safety they desire. You, O Mistress, are indeed this star! You, among the waves of temptation and the pain of affliction, always direct and guide us. You offer us much-needed aid and assistance in times of trial and lead our souls to the harbor of God’s salvation. Let all your devout servants and supplicants implore your protection and guidance, O true Star of the Sea!
Prayer
O my soul, in times of peril, in moments of uncertainty, look towards your guiding Star. Call upon the name of Mary; let it never recede from your heart, let it never depart from your lips. For, following her faithfully, you shall never stray.
Calling upon her, you shall never despair. With her as Protectress, you shall never fear. With her guiding you, you shall never grow weary. With her as your leader, you shall arrive safely at your celestial homeland.
O Mary, grant that this may happen through your glorious merits and holy intercession, by the grace of your most blessed and Divine Son, with whom you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in Crown of the Virgin by Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo which is available from TAN Books.
