“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 on Mary.” — St. Bernard

Hello!

Today I am going to talk about how to celebrate another upcoming feast. Our Lady Star of the Sea, aka Stella Maris, will be celebrated September 27.

I am particularly fond of this feast as the church Stella Maris in Charleston is where Stephen and I met and got married and where our daughter was baptized. It is a special place.

Also, I just love the ocean. There’s something so beautiful, graceful, and nostalgic about it, as well as the history of this ancient feast. Since my husband is in the Navy, I especially pray to Our Lady, Star of the Sea for his protection. Ultimately, Stella Maris is a reminder that Mary is a guiding star for us to Jesus. We pray for her intercession as ‘wanderers’ in this world who get lost so easily.

If you’re wanting to celebrate this feast, here are some ideas for food, decor, gifts and activities!

GIFTS

• luxury matches from Theology of Home: I’ve had my eyes on these since they first came out. I love the vintage look and have always had a thing for cool matchboxes! This could be a super fun party favor if you’re having a small gathering.
• Stella Maris prayer card: I already ordered this holy card and am so excited! I love everything Paper Monastery does and will use any excuse to stock up on her beautiful art.
• Ocean candle: Another one from Theology of home. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful-smelling candle, especially in the Fall!!
  

DECORATIONS

• Stella Maris print: Whenever we have feast day parties, I love to have an image of the person we are celebrating. You can get a cheap frame from Walmart and switch out the artwork for different occasions!
• As always, blue and white linens and china are perfect for anything related to our Lady.
• You could also use this adorable watercolor ‘under the sea’ banner.
• If there is a beach near you, you could use sea shells as part of your table decorations which will look really cute paired with some candles.
• antique shops or second-hand stores might have some miniature old boats to use as decor as well.
  

FOOD

• So this is an obvi: seafood! You can’t go wrong with a lemon shrimp pasta (one of my all-time faves)!
• Of course, salmon is delicious—I love this dijon baked salmon.
• salmon cakes are another seafood classic in our household, and easy to make.
• bacon wrapped scallops would be a crowd-pleasing appetizer
• if you want to be really fun, you could serve Swedish fish as part of the dessert 😉
• I had fun going through these blue cocktail drinks… not sure which I’m going to pick yet!!

ACTIVITIES

• Of course, you know I’m going to say go to Mass if possible!
• You can also say this beautiful prayer to Our Lady Star of the Sea
• this hymn is one of my absolute favorites—and perfect for this feast
• Go to the beach! Get some friends to go in the morning to say a rosary on the sand if possible. (Sadly this one does depend heavily on where you live).
• Take your family to the aquarium if there is one close by and enjoy seeing some of God’s wondrous sea creatures.
  

Happy feasting!

Miranda