It is important to remember on Saint Patrick’s Day, that Saint Patricius was a Roman Briton, not an Irishman, also of humble birth, he was taken into slavery by Raiders from Britain to Ireland, where he endured six years of capture before escaping and returning to his family. Little is known as fact, and only two documents are attributed to him as testimony. He returned to Ireland in the 490’s as a Bishop, and his ministry revolved around the conversion of the people and his teachings include the particular focus on the functional relationship and the Catholic view of the Trinity.
As rumor, it can be said that a clover reminded him of the mystery of the Trinity, in that each leaf is a “person of God” (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) and that the fact that they are all unified allows them to remain whole and entirely one God.
In the Nicene Creed, the Latin phrase “Consubstantialem Patri” is used to explain the relationship of the persons of the Trinity. (Consubstantial to the Father)
Often translated into English as “One in being with the Father…”
By the 7th Century, Saint Patrick was regarded as the patron Saint of Ireland. There are only 3 who are considered “patron” saints of Ireland, Patrick, Brigid of Kildare, and Colum Cille. In the end, without parsing fact from fiction, Ireland has come to regard him as their missionary and their beloved Saint, and his feast is always celebrated on March 17th of the Roman Calendar. So for all of you who have Patrick in your name, you are in good company, and have a great Bishop to look up to.