Our Lady, Star of the Sea

"If the winds of temptation arise; If you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation look to the star, call on Mary; If you are tossed upon the waves of pride, of ambition, of envy, of rivalry, look to the star, call on Mary. Should anger, or avarice, or fleshly desire violently assail the frail vessel of your soul, look at the star, call upon Mary." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

Although written in the 12th century, St. Bernard of Clairvaux's words read like contemporary lyrics to a beautiful song. And as I looked out the windows of The Towers in Narragansett last night, from my seat at the Rhode Island Songwriter's Association annual showcase, I could see the moonlit waves hitting rocks and feel the warm, salty breeze.
Then, Ronnee Ringquist's tune put me in an ethereal mood: "I heard a wise man say in life we all long for love ...trust in the spirit of the heart."
We are surrounded by the ocean here. The local Roman Catholic Church is St. Mary Star of the Sea and Stella Maris, Latin for Our Lady, Star of the Sea, is a religious store in neighboring South Kingstown.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea is the Virgin Mary as a guide and protector of those who travel or work on the ocean. She represents hope and is a guiding star for those in need.