In the fourth century, pagan Saxons began invading England, aiming to destroy the Catholic faith and corrupt the purity of young English virgins. During this turbulent period, a group of extraordinary English girls fled to the Continent. Among them was Saint Ursula, accompanied by ten friends, each leading a thousand companions, bringing their total number to 11,011. In the year 383, Saint Ursula and her 11,010 companions were tragically martyred for their faith and purity.

This significant martyrdom took place in Cologne, Germany, where a shrine was later built to honor them, containing as many of their relics as could be preserved. In 1535, Saint Angela Merici founded a religious order of nuns in honor of Saint Ursula. Known as the Ursulines, this order has been especially devoted to the education of young girls and has helped spread the veneration of Saint Ursula worldwide.

Saint Ursula is the patroness of Catholic education particularly for girls as well as of Cologne, educators, schoolchildren, students, teachers, and a holy death. In art and iconography, she is often depicted as a maiden pierced by arrows, holding a clock, and accompanied by many of her companions, shown martyred in various imaginative ways.