What gives you hope? 

It seems that in recent years, people are having a harder time answering this question. And sadly, more people don’t have an answer at all. Hope has evaporated from so many people’s lives. 

When we enter into hopelessness, even our ability to desire good things diminishes, and all our expectations turn negative. When we are hopeful, we believe the future can be better than the past and that there are things we can do to help bring about that better future. Hope empowers us. 

Saint Olivia of Palermo was in one of the most hopeless situations possible. But it was precisely there that she found a hope that could not be shaken.

Olivia was a young girl born in Sicily during the time of the Roman Empire. At age 13, she was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in northern Africa. Instead of succumbing to despair, Olivia saw this as an opportunity to spread the Christian faith. Her acts of kindness and openness about her faith led to the conversion of many, including the governor of the region. Her actions, however, also stirred controversy and opposition among those who saw her influence as a threat. 

Those who seek to control others always try to snuff out their hope. And Olivia’s hope was spreading to others like wildfire.

The leaders of the surrounding regions had finally had enough. They arrested Olivia and demanded she renounce her faith. Saint Olivia of Palermo’s hope in eternal life was too strong to break. She was martyred and remains a beacon of hope for us all.

What is hope? It is the belief that good things lay ahead. It is a combination of desire and expectation. It is the confidence that something wonderful is possible. Hope is a gift from God that leads us back to God. Repeat this simple prayer over and over throughout the day, “Lord, increase my hope.”

Pray for hope. Do things that give you hope. Be around hopeful people. 

Stay hopeful!



Patron Saint of: Music and Palermo (Italy)

Symbols: Olive Branch

Feast Day: June 10

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Landry