flourished 4th century, Rome; feast day October 21
Legendary leader of a band of virgins martyred by the Huns.
The number of virgins was originally 11, but, as the story was retold over the years, it increased to 11,000. According to the 13th-century Golden Legend , Ursula was an English princess who went on a pilgrimage to Rome with 11,000 virgins and was martyred with them on the homeward journey. Ursula is the patron saint of the order of St. Ursula (Ursulines), a congregation of nuns dedicated to educating girls.