Mary, Star of the Sea in La Jolla

In 1906 a new Catholic parish was built in La Jolla and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin under her title of “Mary, Star of the Sea.” Over the years, as the geographical lines of La Jolla grew, so did Mary, Star of the Sea’s congregation. By 1936, the pastor, Fr. Thomas McNamara, began to make plans for construction of the present church of Mary, Star of the Sea.

The architect was the celebrated Carleton Monroe Winslow, F.A.I.A., who created the building in Contemporary Spanish Mission design. The roof is of red clay mission tile with the ceiling of heavy, exposed wood rafters. Above the main entrance is a large true fresco, entitled “Our Lady, Star of the Sea” painted by Alfred Ramos Martinez.

The new church was dedicated by the Most Reverend Bishop Charles Francis Buddy on December 5, 1937. Ten years later, ground was broken for a parish school, and in September, 1947 Stella Maris Academy opened its doors for the first time.

The parish buildings of Mary, Star of the Sea are an icon in the lovely village of La Jolla. Those entering the doors of the church are touched by the hush of its simple beauty.