In 1888, that part of San Francisco which would become Star of the Sea parish was mostly sand dunes and Irish horse farms. These Irish wanted a church of their own rather than having to travel several miles to St. Patrick’s church downtown. They loved Our Lady, and they were close to the ocean, so they asked the bishop to name their little mission church “Star of the Sea.”

In 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed, linking Star of the Sea parish with the mainland, and so a second “Star of the Sea” church was built on the other side of the Bridge, in Sausalito. The San Francisco parish boundaries cover the southern half of the Bridge, and the Sausalito parish boundaries cover the northern half. Both parishes pray for the 150,000 people who cross the Bridge every day, and our parish offers a Mass every First Friday for the 1800 souls who have committed suicide from the Golden Gate Bridge.

We beg Our Lady, Star of the Sea, to guide all these people home to Jesus, and to guide all of us as we make our way through the storms of life. “If the winds of temptation arise,” wrote St. Bernard, “if you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation, or tossed by the waves of pride, of ambition, of rivalry or envy, look to the star; call on Mary.”

The most venerable song to Mary under the title “Star of the Sea” is the 9th-century Gregorian Chant “Ave Maris Stella”. Here are a few verses, with an English translation:

Ave, Maris Stella, Hail, O star of the sea,
Dei mater alma, dear mother of God,
atque semper virgo, and ever virgin,
Felix cæli porta. happy gate of heaven.

Sumens illud “Ave” Receiving that greeting Gabrielis ore, from the mouth of Gabriel,
funda nos in pace, establish us in peace,
mutans Evæ nomen. reversing Eve’s name.

Solve vincla reis, loosen chains of the guilty,
profer lumen cæcis, bring sight to the blind,
mala nostra pelle, our evil dispel,
bona cuncta posce. win for us all good things.

Sit laus Deo Patri, praise be to God the Father
summo Christo decus, glory to Christ most high
Spiritui Sancto to the Holy Spirit
tribus honor unus. Amen. honor to the three in one. Amen.

We are delighted to introduce our first collection of Lady Star of the Sea Rosaries. Inspired by the beautiful colors of the vast ocean that God created for us, these colors are also reflected in the rosary centerpiece (Icon of our Lady Star of the Sea). This unique Rosary dedicated to our patroness, Lady Star of the Sea, is made exclusively for Star of the Sea parish.

We have chosen a variety of glass beads in ocean blues, greens, and whites for our rosaries. The centerpiece features the image of Our Lady Star of the Sea, painted by our commissioned iconographer, Pavel Tikhomirov, which is displayed in the church. Handcrafted by Barbara Deuel and designed by Mariella Zevallos. Our rosaries are available for purchase at the parish office. Price $35