Olivia was the beautiful daughter of a noble Sicilian family, born either around 448 or in the 9th century in the Loggia district of Palermo. From her early years she devoted herself to the Lord, declining honours and riches and giving charity to the poor. When she was thirteen, Olivia comforted prisoners and urged the Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. The Vandals were impressed by the strength of her spirit, seeing that nothing could prevail against her faith. So in deference to her noble house, they sent her to Tunis, where the governor would attempt to overcome her constancy.