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Our Lady Star of the Sea is a Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach Florida. This Catholic Church was built in the year 1957. The Church still actively has around two Masses every Sunday. The Church was formally established on September 1st, in 1973. In the 1980's Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church saw its greatest attendance since being established. It is important to recognize the church's history and recognize its importance to the Catholics that still attend mass at this church today.

This is a photo of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church taken in 1979

Plant, Building, Facade, Art

This is a photo of the stained glass inside the Catholic Church.

Plant, Decoration, Flower, Flowerpot

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church has great history to it. It is even more fascinating that the church is still active to this day. The Church was established September 1st of 1973. The Church was established by Bishop William D Borders of the Diocese of Orlando. The permanent residence is as listed in the address. This residence was able to remain permanent due to the arrival of residence in this area. In 1975, the arrival of Father Thomas Bergin pushed for a permanent residence of the church. In the 1980's, this Catholic Church began to boom. The Church has done much fundraising to get it to where it is today.

Our Lady Star of the Sea is an Ancient title for the "Blessed Mother", the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is also referred to as "Stella Maris" which translates to Star of the Sea. The title Star of the Sea was used to emphasize the Virgin Mary's role as a guide for Christians. Mary was used as a guide to Christians to follow Christ and to not capsize in "Storm tossed waters". Prayers are led to the Virgin Mary such as "Hail Star of the Sea".

This Church is important to history to better understand different forms of Catholicism and how history influences today. With the Church still having attendance and mass every Sunday, it is fascinating to see how many people practice religion that is centuries old. It is interesting that in times of change, some practices remain the same.

  • Confessions. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://ourladystar.com/parish-history/

This website further explains the history of this Catholic church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It includes history of the parish and how the church came to be about. This website also includes details on the Church today and its fundraising efforts for the community. Information on how the Church has changed over the years can also be found under this link

  • AM, L., Hunt, B., Carlson, A., Sullivan, R., & McCarthy, C. (n.d.). Our Lady, Star of the Sea, also known as Stella Maris, is popular the World Over. Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.catholic365.com/article/9393/our-lady-star-of-the-sea-also-known-as-stella-maris-is-popular-the-world-over.html

This website gives better explanation to how this Catholic church got its name. This gives biblical explanations for who the lady star of the sea is, and the significance behind this name. This website also gives a better insight to the church's background with Catholicism and what separates this church from other Catholic churches.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

https://ourladystar.com/parish-history/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34471-d3582286-Reviews-Our_Lady_Star_of_The_Sea_Catholic_Church-New_Smyrna_Beach_Florida.html