YOUCAT*: We believe in one God in three persons (Trinity). “God is not solitude but perfect communion.” (Pope Benedict XVI, May 22, 2005). [232-236, 249-256, 261, 265-266]
St. Patrick’s Day not only reminds me of green beer, my godfather (Uncle Pat), but also the Holy Trinity. Here’s how the legend goes: When Patrick was preaching in Ireland he was challenged to prove how God could be one being yet three persons. Holding up a shamrock he asked if he had one leaf or three leaves, and if three leaves then why only one stem. No one could answer.
The Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — is the central mystery of our faith. We are baptized in it, we remind ourselves of it each Sunday, and at the start and end of our daily prayers.
The full mystery of the Trinity is revealed in the story of Pentecost when the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 243).
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry