Over the last year, I’ve had a chance to spend some time in the beautiful
Stella Maris Catholic Church on the east side of Saint John. Kelly’s last
three choir concerts have been held there – so I’ve had many opportunities
to look around the building and learn more about its history. Among other
things, I’ve discovered that “Stella Maris” means “Mary, Star of the Sea,”
and that over the years Mary has often been called on to intercede on
sailors’ behalf as well as to offer protection to those who live by the ocean.

Even today, many continue to turn to her for help and guidance, and
several lovely images of the virgin can be found in the Stella Maris
sanctuary.

As a Prairie Protestant farm boy who was raised thousands of miles from
any ocean, much of this is new to me. But like St. Mark’s, the church I
grew up in at least paid regular attention to Mary during the Advent and
Christmas season – and we’ll be doing the same this coming Sunday. In particular, we’ll focus on her “magnificat” and discover (possibly in some surprising ways) how she believed God to be at work – in her life and in the world. We’ll also celebrate Communion, hear and sing some lovely music, and celebrate the gifts of love that are offered to us during this special and holy season. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and pray that the days to come will be filled with many rich blessings for you and those you love.