In order to destroy the Catholic faith and violate the chastity of all young English virgins, the pagan Saxons started invading England in the fourth century. During this time, a handful of exceptional English girls escaped England and fled to the Continent. Together, Saint Ursula and ten of her friends—each with a thousand companions—made up this group, which totaled 11,011. But in the year 383 Saint Ursula and her 11,010 companions were discovered to have been killed for their faith and purity.

A shrine honoring them has been built in Cologne, Germany, where this significant martyrdom took place. It contains as many of their bones as could be salvaged. In memory of Saint Ursula, Saint Angela Merici founded a Religious Order of nuns within the Catholic Church in 1535. The Ursulines are their name.

The name and worship of St. Ursula have also been disseminated globally by the Order of Ursulines, which was established in 1535 by St. Angela de Merici and is particularly committed to the education of young girls.

Saint Ursula is the patron saint of Catholic education (particularly for girls), Cologne, Germany, educators, holy death, schoolchildren, students, and teachers. In art and iconography, she is frequently depicted as a virgin shot with arrows and a clock, frequently joined by several other friends who are also being martyred in various, frequently imaginative ways.

Other Saints of the Day
St. Agatho
St. Gaspar
St. Wendolinus
St. Hugh of Ambronay
St. John of Bridlington