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.
Veneration of Mary in the Catholic Church and memorials in the General Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church are: A large number of titles to honor Mary or ask for her intercession are used by Roman Catholics. While "Mater Dei" (i.e. "Mother of God" as confirmed by the First Council of Ephesus, 431) is common in Latin, a large number of other titles have been used by Roman Catholics – far more than any other Christians. Titles used to refer to the Virgin Mary throughout history, at times reflect the changing attitudes towards her. "Domina" (lady), "Regina" (queen) and "Stella Maris" (star of the sea) are some