Stella (Newborn)

Stella Marie {3 Weeks Old}

I photographed this adorable and tiny little girl last week! Even though she was wide awake, we got some adorable shots.  Her big sister was super cute as well and VERY proud.  Her daddy shared the meaning behind her name and thought I would share with you. I thought it was very insightful.

Stella, means "Star" in Latin and Marie is, of course, another name
for Mary. We named Stella after two of the blessed virgin Mary's
titles: Stella Maris, "or star of the sea" and Stella Matutina, or
"the morning star."

Stars were and are used as a guide to safety and to new life. Mary was
identified from the very earliest days of the Church as the guiding
light to her son, Jesus, for all the people of the earth.

The name "Stella Matutina" was given to Mary because, like a morning
star, she heralded the end to the long dark night of original sin
which preceded the coming of the Savior.  The morning star is a sign
of the coming day, the announcement of the rising sun; it is a promise
of light.  Mary is a morning star not for and through herself, but she
is only the reflection of the creator and redeemer.  She exalts his
glory.  When she emerges from darkness we know that the day is near.