Women in the Catholic Church inspired vast quantities of Catholic art - notably images of the Madonna and Child—and various Catholic prayers, Marian hymns and devotions (notably Hail Mary): "Ave Maris Stella" (Latin, "Hail Star of the Sea") is a plainsong Vespers hymn to Mary and inspiration for the English hymn "Hail Holy Queen". The "Salve Regina", also known as the Hail Holy Queen, is a Marian hymn and one of four Marian antiphons sung at different seasons. Its poetic verses portray Mary as a figure of hope in a time of trial: The prominence of Mary in the life of the Church grew gradually.
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Fredericksburg, Virginia) St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Fredericksburg, Virginia) St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia and is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Its grade school is Holy Cross Academy. The original St. Mary on Princess Ann Street was established in 1858 as the Fredericksburg Mission, served by priests from the original cathedral in Richmond. During the American Civil War, the building was used as a hospital and storehouse. In 1871, the church received its first resident pastor. This original church was used until 1970, then sold to