The Virgin Mary
Is that splendid and wondrous star
Suspended as by necessity over this great wide sea;
Radiant with merit,
Brilliant in example.

O you, whoever you are,
Who feel that in the tidal wave of this world,
you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land,
if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this star.

When the wind of temptation blows up within you,
When you strike upon the rock of tribulation,
Gaze up at this star, call out to Mary.

Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride
Or ambition or slander or jealousy,
Call out to Mary.
When rage or greed or fleshly desires
are battering the skiff of your soul,
Gaze up at Mary.
When the immensity of your sins weighs you down
And you are bewildered by the loathsomeness of your conscience,
When the terrifying thought of judgment appalls you
And you begin to founder in the gulf of sadness and despair, think of Mary.

In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt,
Think of Mary, call out to Mary.

Keep her in your mouth,
keep her in your heart.
Follow the example of her life
and you will obtain the favor of her prayer.

Following her you will never go astray.
Asking her help, you will never despair.
Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away.

With your hand in hers, you will never stumble.
With her protecting you, you will not be afraid.
With her leading you, you will never tire.
Her kindness will see you through to the end.

Then you will know
By your own experience
How true it is that
“The Virgin’s name was Mary”.