Stella Maris klooster bij het Karmelgebergte before 1878

This photograph by Félix Bonfils captures the Stella Maris Monastery near Mount Carmel. The monastery, named "Star of the Sea," evokes a powerful symbol deeply rooted in Marian devotion. This image, much like the star it references, acts as a beacon guiding viewers through the turbulent seas of history and memory. The star, a universal symbol of guidance and hope, appears across cultures, guiding sailors and symbolizing divine direction. In Christian iconography, the Star of the Sea symbolizes Mary, who offers safe passage through life's perils. This symbol is seen in the protective gestures of numerous Madonnas throughout the ages. The act of seeking guidance from a star transcends time. Much like ancient mariners navigated by the stars, we are drawn to these symbols. The emotional resonance, deeply embedded in our collective psyche, links this image to a wider, non-linear narrative of human experience. The cyclical nature of symbols allows them to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, yet retain their core essence across different eras and contexts.