Ave maris stella

This setting of the ancient Marian antiphon Ave maris stella offers a powerful opportunity for a choir to reflect on Mary as the Star of the Sea and Mother of God. The composer Michael J. Drake, Jr. crafts a piece for SATB voices, sung in Latin, that explores the profound themes of the text. It calls upon Mary to guide us, to grant us peace, and to transform the name of Eve to life-giving grace. The motet implores her intercession to release the guilty from their bonds, bring light to the blind, and ward off evil. It asks her to show herself a mother, whose prayers are heard by her son, Jesus. The text petitions for a pure life, a safe journey, and eventual joy in seeing Jesus, praying for gentleness and chastity.