Ave Maris Stella ("Hail Star of the Sea") is a plainsong hymn to the Virgin Mary. It is of uncertain origin and can be dated back at least as far as the 9th Century. It was especially popular in the middle ages and has been used by many composers the basis of other compositions.

Acadian Anthem

Ave Maris Stella is the anthem of the Acadians, a francophone community in the Canadian Maritimes distinct from the French-Canadians of Quebec. The Acadians were highly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, and had and still have a high degree of devotion to the Virgin Mary. As such, Acadia's symbols reflect its people's beliefs. This is particularly evident in their anthem which instead of being written in French is written in Latin.

It was adopted as the anthem of the Acadian people at the Acadian National Conference in 1884. To this day, it remains a source of Acadian patriotism.

Latin Lyrics

Ave, Maris stella,
Déi mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo
Félix caeli porta

Sumens illud Ave
Gabriélis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Evae nomen.

Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.

Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces
Qui pro nobis natus,
tulit esse tuus.

Virgo singularis
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos
Mites fac et castos.

English Lyrics

Called: Star of the Sea, we hail Thee
The first verse and last verse are still in Latin:

Ave Maris Stella
Dei Mater Alma
Atque Semper Virgo
Felix Coeli Porta
Felix Coeli Porta

Acadia my homeland
To your name I draw myself
My life, my faith belong to you
You will protect me
You will protect me

Acadia my homeland
My land and my challenge
From near, from far you hold onto me
My heart as Acadian
My heart as Acadian

Acadia my homeland
I live your history
I owe you my pride
I believe in your future
I believe in your future

Ave Maris Stella
Dei Mater Alma
Atque Semper Virgo
Felix Coeli Porta
Felix Coeli Porta