During the month of October, the Church, in a special way, pays homage to Mary.

Here at St. Katharine Drexel, we will honor the Mother of Christ with at least one hymn related to Mary each week. Please lift your voices. October is reserved as the month of the Rosary, specially focused around October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. 502 years ago, the Muslim Turks were pushing westward to spread their religion: Islam. As they approached the Mediterranean and Christian kingdoms in Sicily, Venice, and Rome itself, people were instructed to turn to the rosary in droves to pray for a victory against the marauders. Though far outnumbered, the Christian fleet defeated the invaders in October 1571 in the Battle of Laponto. Without Our Lady's intercession, this victory would certainly have failed.

This week the Choir sings the anthem "Star Upon the Ocean," one of the few Marian hymns set in a minor hymn. Mary, or the Stella Maris, has long been the hope for seafarers. Sailors looked across the vast horizons and they looked to Mary for their hope in darkness and safe harbor. Though "Star Upon the Ocean" written in the late 18th century may sound like a type sea shanty, the words portray images of Mary that are quintessentially Catholic: Mary is the star that guides us, the vessel of devotion, the flame of our devotion, the holy humble maiden, the mother of all mothers, etc.

For those of you who would a beautiful copy of the hymn and text, please see me at the organ. May Mary lead us through the rough waves and storms of life here on earth to the calm seas with her son forever in Heaven.