A Dictionary of Saintly Women/Olive (5)
St. Olive (5), or Uliva of Palermo, June 20, V. Probably 9th century. One of the chief patrons of Palermo. Olive was a noble maiden of Palermo. At thirteen she was accused of being a Christian, before the Mohammedan ruler of Sicily. As she could not be turned from her religion, and as the Saracens were unwilling to put a lady of her rank to death, she was banished, apparently to Tunis. Here she worked miracles and made converts, wherefore she was scourged and sent into the forest. The wild beasts, instead of tearing her in pieces, became tame and gentle to her. About seven years after her banishment, some princes who were hunting in the woods, found this beautiful girl in that solitude. As they were going to take her, she said, "Touch me not, lest He who has protected me for seven years should take you and destroy you." They were converted and told these marvels to the governor of the place, who sent for the holy virgin and after many tortures had her beheaded. It is possible, however, that the martyrdom of St. Olive happened under the Vandals and not under the Saracens. AA.SS.