Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning

Mary Immaculate, Mother of God

Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning was written by F. W. Wetherell (1829-1903), a minister of the Church of Ireland. It is set to Liebster Immanuel, a melody from the Himmels-Lust of 1679, adapted and harmonized by the German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). It can also be sung to the tune: Morning Star (see video). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning is used in the Commons of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Alternative Tune: Morning Star

MARY IMMACULATE, STAR OF THE MORNING by F. W. Wetherell (Public Domain)

1. Mary Immaculate, Star of the morning,
Chosen before the creation began,
Chosen to bring, for Thy bridal adorning,
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.

2. Here in an orbit of shadow and sadness,
Veiling Thy splendor, Thy course Thou hast run;
Now Thou art throned in All glory and gladness,
Crowned by the hand of the Savior and Son.

3. Sinners, we honor Thy sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for Thy pity we lead;
Grant us the shield of Thy Sovereign protection,
Measure Thine aid by the depth of our need.

4. Bend from Thy throne At the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which Thy footsteps have trod;
Stretch out Thine arms to us, Living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.