Our Lady Stella Maris

“Stella Maris” is the name by which many seafarers know the Apostleship of the Sea. This is because many of the AOS seafarers’ clubs and hostels around the world are named “Stella Maris”, in honour of our patron, Our Lady Stella Maris.

“Stella Maris”, “Star of the Sea”, is an ancient title for Our Lady, used by seafarers and others associated with the sea. Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady.

This icon of Our Lady Stella Maris was painted for the Apostleship of the Sea by Dr Stephane René. The style is Neo-Coptic. Dr René is a leading exponent of this sacred artistic tradition in the West. Coptic icons provide us with a direct link to the spirituality of the Desert Fathers. These were among the first Christian monks. They lived in the deserts of the Middle East from the 2rd to 7th centuries. St Jerome was a Desert Father. In his writings he identified Mary the Mother of God as the Star of the Sea.

The icon is currently being exhibited in various parishes around Great Britain. Click here for more information on the AOS GB website