As he worked to explain the key concepts of Christianity to Celts across Ireland, Patrick used simple examples his audience could understand. Most famously, he was said to have picked a three-leafed clover and used it to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity – that God is one being in three persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The leaves represent these three distinct persons while the stem visually depicts how they are united into one. You can get shamrocks at local garden centers this time of year to serve as a visual reminder that God is always with us.
There are many beautiful Irish blessings and prayers, but Saint Patrick’s Breastplate – or the “Lorica of St. Patrick” – is among the most enduring. Saint Patrick was said to have written it for protection on his missionary journeys, which is perhaps why its verse structure has been compared to Druid poetry. Cecil Frances Alexander translated the words into English in 1889 and set them to a traditional Irish melody. The prayer of protection includes these well-known verses along with many other memorable ones:
“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me”