Mamilian of Palermo

Saint Mamilian of Palermo was born in Sicily, and in the fifth century served the Church as bishop of Palermo during the troubled years when the Vandals held sway over the island. Because he remained faithful to the Catholic faith in the face of Arian pressure, he was driven into exile around 450, sent away with a small band of Christian companions. Tradition remembers his wandering as a providential pilgrimage: after hardship in Africa, he escaped and found refuge in Sardinia, then withdrew for a time to the solitude of Montecristo. There, legend says, he overcame a fearsome dragon and helped turn hearts from pagan fears to the worship of Christ—so much so that the island came to be called “Christ’s Mountain,” and a hermit community later grew up in his wake. Mamilian eventually reached the island of Giglio, where he died and where his memory remains especially dear. He is honored as patron of Giglio, Giglio Castello, Scolca, Sovana, and Taglio-Isolaccio. His feast day is September 15.