Ursula, a princess of ancient Britain, was known for her beauty and her unwavering devotion to Christ. Her father, a Christian king, wished to betroth her to a pagan prince, a union that Ursula was reluctant to accept, as she longed to dedicate herself entirely to Christ. She requested a three-year delay before the marriage, which was granted. During this time, guided by an angelic vision, Ursula embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome with a retinue of companions – initially ten noble maidens, each accompanied by a thousand more virgins. This company, totaling thousands, set sail, preparing themselves spiritually to defend their faith and love of Christ to the shedding of their blood if necessary. Their ships were carried by a storm to the shores of Gaul, from where they journeyed by land to Rome. There, they met the Pope and were blessed. However, on their return journey, stopping in Cologne, they encountered the Huns, a group of pagan invaders led by Attila. The Huns demanded that the virgins abandon their Christian faith and marry them, but Ursula and her companions courageously refused. The Huns, angered by their defiance, massacred the thousands of virgins. Ursula herself was offered the chance to be spared and marry the Hun leader, but she steadfastly refused, choosing martyrdom over betraying her faith and vow of virginity. The Hun leader, in a rage, shot her with an arrow, completing her martyrdom. The bodies of Ursula and her companions were buried in Cologne, where a basilica was later built in their honor, Basilica of St. Ursula.