DIVINUM OFFICIUM Hymn

Hymnus

Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Matins Hymn

'Ave maris stella' (Hail, star of the sea) dates to at least the 9th century, possibly earlier. The title 'maris stella' derives from Jerome's interpretation of 'Miriam/Maria' as 'stilla maris' (drop of the sea), later becoming 'stella maris.' The hymn traces salvation history: Mary receiving Gabriel's 'Ave,' reversing Eve's fall, becoming the 'felix caeli porta' (blessed gate of heaven). The stanza 'Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore' notes the anagram Ave/Eva. At Matins, as stars still shine before dawn, this hymn hails Mary as the star guiding the Church through night toward the Sun of Righteousness.

LATINE
Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix caeli porta.
Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Evae nomen.
Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.
ENGLISH
Hail, O Star of ocean,
Mother of God most high,
Virgin ever-glorious,
Gate of heaven on high.
Gabriel's Ave taking,
Change the name of Eva;
Stablish peace for ever,
And all our bonds unloose.
Loose the chains of sinners,
Bring thou light to the blind,
Evils all remove from us,
Every blessing find.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Matins Hymn
HORA
Matins
GENVS
Hymn