Every day after our midday meal we monks chant the hymn, “Stella Caeli,” to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This Latin song is anonymous, but comes from the 14th century, composed during the time of the Black Death in Europe. Possibly Portuguese Poor Clare nuns composed it.
The Stella Caeli invokes the help of Mary to drive away the pestilence of plague and the harm it causes, that all people may be unharmed in time of distress.
Of course the hymn is particularly appropriate as our world continues to deal with covid-19, the healing of those who have been infected and the vaccine against it to as many people and as soon as is humanly possible.
We also recall those who have died, that they may be led by the angels to Heaven.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the angels and saints, intercede on our behalf before the God of all.