Mary: Star of the Sea
Our Lady, Star of the Sea is an ancient title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The words “Star of the Sea” are a translation of the Latin title ‘Stella Maris’. The title has been in use since at least the early medieval period. Mary, came to be seen as the "guiding star" on the way to following Christ. Under this name, Mary is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of seafarers in particular. Many coastal churches are named Stella Maris or Star of the Sea. This title has often been used as a spiritual allegory. However, I wanted to depict it in a slightly different way.
In this Icon I have Mary, who is also called “The protectress of the oppressed” guiding a rescue boat to a large group of migrants out at sea. Refugees and migrants are continuing to make these voyages out at sea to find a better life for their families. However, the migrant sea routes have become some of the most dangerous. According to the Migration Data Portal, since 2014, more than 4,000 fatalities have been recorded annually on migratory routes worldwide. 2023 marked the deadliest year with more than 8,000 deaths recorded. Many countries have begun to refuse aid to refugee and migrant boats attempting to come ashore. Many boats are not able to make the journeys at all or can become lost and quickly carried out into the open ocean. Thankfully there are many organizations that now patrol the various sea routes that migrants are taking and when they find boats are able to bring everyone aboard and safely to various refugee camps ashore.
The people making these journeys are sacred. Its my hope that this icon isn’t a version of Mary just up in the clouds but also down in the water with the lowly and oppressed peoples of the earth.
“Merciful God and Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centeredness. Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters.” -Pope Francis