Well, we're running out of letters, folks, as we continue our A to Z romp through the bracket. Today it's Ursula vs. Verna of Zurzach, as we head back to the 4th and 3rd centuries, respectively.
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Ursula
There are different versions about the life of Ursula, depending on the source. While her tale—or legend—is simple, it may or may not be totally true. Nonetheless, her effect on society still stands.
Ursula may or may not have been born into royalty. She may or may not have been one of the eleven thousand virgins martyred together in Cologne, Germany, although there is no definitive date of her martyrdom. Oh, and it may have been eleven thousand, or it may have been eleven, virgins.
What is known is that Ursula was born in Britain between 300 and 400, give or take a few decades. Her name in Latin means “little she-bear.”
The legend surrounding Ursula claims that she was the daughter of King Dionotus of Dumnonia in southwest England. In the late fourth century, she and eleven thousand virgins sailed to meet up with her betrothed, who in the legend was the pagan governor Conan Meriadoc of Armorica.
When she landed in Gaul (France), she took off on a pilgrimage throughout Europe, heading for Rome. Joined by the pope and a bishop, the legend claims, she traveled to Cologne, which was controlled by the Huns. Ursula was expected to marry the leader of the invading Huns, who may or may not have been Attila himself. Oh, what ever happened to Conan?
Because of their faith, the virgins were beheaded, and Ursula was shot and killed with an arrow. This may or may not have happened in 383.
For someone whose history is sometimes questionable, her influence is unsurpassed. Ursula’s mark is quite evident in art, culture, and geography.
In 1493, on his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus named the Virgin Islands in honor of Ursula and her companions. In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan named Cape Virgenes after them.
The Order of Ursulines, a religious community founded in 1535, is dedicated to Ursula. She was also the inspiration for many chants by the renowned Hildegard of Bingen.
Of great significance, Caravaggio’s last painting in 1610 was The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, which is currently on display in Naples, Italy.
Churches in Spain and the Philippines conduct annual festivals to Ursula on October 21, replete with processions and colorful fashions.
Ursula is the patron saint of Cologne, archers, orphans, Rizal Province in the Philippines, the Ursuline Order of nuns, and schoolgirls. Ursula’s feast day is celebrated on October 21.
Collect for Ursula
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Ursula: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Verena of Zurzach
Verena, her name meaning “good fruit,” was born to a Christian family in third century Thebes and educated by the local bishop. When her cousin Maurice joined the Theban legion of about six thousand soldiers, she accompanied him. Relatives of soldiers frequently accompanied legions to provide medical care and prepare food.
After securing a victory for Thebes, the emperor ordered the legion to worship idols. Being Coptic and worshipping the one true God, they refused. The emperor martyred the entire legion, including Verena’s cousin. Legend holds that Verena helped bury the martyred legionnaires. In her grief, and for her own safety, she fled to Switzerland.
While in Switzerland, she lived the life of an ascetic. She lived in a cave on the outskirts of town, near present-day Zurich, and became a consecrated virgin; that is, she was blessed by a bishop to live her life consecrated as a Bride of Christ, never to marry. She fasted and prayed daily. In her ministry to local community members, she began instructing people, especially young girls, on proper hygiene, medicinal herbs, personal care, and the Christian faith.
As her reputation grew, the local king became increasingly concerned about her influence. He ordered her imprisoned. During incarceration, her martyred cousin Maurice appeared to her to encourage her to remain steadfast in her faith. The governor became sick, and local Christians asked Verena to nurse him back to health. Once healed, the governor ordered Verena released from prison.
Verena again returned to her life as an ascetic, living in a cave, praying, fasting, and worshipping God. When her death came, legend holds that The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Verena, telling Verena about the peace and everlasting rest that awaited her in heaven. Incense filled the cave, and Verena died at the age of ninety-five.
In medieval Switzerland, she was one of the most venerated saints. Icons depict her holding a jug of water and a comb, symbols of her care for the poor and instruction of hygiene. Writings of the Coptic Church say of her that she met hostility with love, and her love won over the sword, and the blood of Martyrs over the arrogance of rulers.
Collect for Verena of Zurzach
Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant Verena to be a light in the world: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
58 comments on “Ursula vs. Verena of Zurzach”
Veritable Saint
Encouraged Purity of Body and Spirit
Remained Faithful
Even in Adversity for
Ninety-Five Years
An Inspiration
Practical matter: Please eliminate the "Captcha" pictures as they discriminate against those with low vision. Thanks.
I like the "little bear" name
I was having trouble picturing enough boats for 11,000 virgins. But I had no difficulty imagining a need for hygiene or people living in caves. Every day my feed is filled with images of the wanton Israeli destruction of Gaza. People drink sewage water. People live in tents. The entire infrastructure has been reduced to rubble out of rage and greed. The collect calling us out of darkness speaks as well I think to confronting the Islamophobia at the heart of western imperialism. So my vote is for Verena. May Christianity humble itself to embrace and honor Islam.
The early church put far too much emphasis on female virginity. Yes, it's true that a woman who was (gasp) sexually active was likely to become pregnant and therefore sidelined from any other pursuits as she raised her children, but surely a person's worth should not depend on whether or not they have ever participated in a fairly common activity.
That aside, both women seem to have inspired education and learning, however Verena's teachings also have an immensely practical aspect to them. (Wash your hands!) Verena for the win today, I hope.
I greatly admire the work of Ursuline Sisters. But my vote today is for Verena. I appreciate her teaching of hygiene and valuing that for all people. Also, I am thinking today of the Coptic Church near us and of the importance of honoring Christians of different dominations during these times.
I greatly admire the work of Ursuline Sisters. But my vote today is for Verena. I appreciate her teaching of hygiene and valuing that for all people. Also, I am thinking today of the Coptic Church near us and of the importance of honoring Christians of different dominations during these times.
The Ursulines were important in the Battle of New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815. As the British army marched on the city, the Ursulines gathered with laywomen and prayed all night for deliverance. It came in the morning with a rout of the invaders. Praying in French, the Ursulines had invoked the protection of Notre Dame du Prompt Secours (Our Lady of Prompt Succor), and every Jan. 8 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on the campus of Ursuline Academy, there is Mass and celebration. There is an Ursulines Street in New Orleans, named in honor of the followers of St. Ursula.
The constellation Ursa Minor (Little Bear) contains Polaris, the north star, the prime sidereal guide. St. Ursula is in the stars.
Sainte Ursule, priez pour nous.
Great blogs and a shimmering limerick by Mr. Cabot!
I'm having trouble voting. It just spins!
Saint/Queen Margaret of Scotland was married and a partner of her husband, Malcolm , and a nurturing mother to her biological children and subjects.
I voted for Verena of Zurzach. She cared for the poor and
met hostility with love.
Why are all the women saints who refused to marry, suffer death, and become vague legends. I guess the rallying cry could be “Lose your virginity ASAP.”
@Lucy III
Your post appears to be word for word a copy of that Spyridon the Thaumaturge. In my world we call that plagiarism. Not saintly at all.
This matchup was a tough one. Both women have had significant influence through the ages, and both definitely demonstrated their strong commitment to their faith. I didn't have a problem with the exaggerated numbers in early medieval legends, That is almost expected to be a thing with legend. Plus, I thought it added some humor to some serious situations. I do admire Verena for her commitment to her faith and the wonderful good she did teaching other about hygiene and health, but I still felt drawn to Ursula, who centuries later, you can still find her influences on a broader scale. I guess I'm just a sucker for the underdog. Besides, I've seen Caravaggio's painting of Ursula in Naples.
This matchup was a tough one. Both women have had significant influence through the ages, and both definitely demonstrated their strong commitment to their faith. I didn't have a problem with the exaggerated numbers in early medieval legends, That is almost expected to be a thing with legend. Plus, I thought it added some humor to some serious situations. I do admire Verena for her commitment to her faith and the wonderful good she did teaching other about hygiene and health, but I still felt drawn to Ursula, who centuries later, you can still find her influences on a broader scale. I guess I'm just a sucker for the underdog. Besides, I've seen Caravaggio's painting of Ursula in Naples.
Had to vote for Ursula in honor of the Ursulineswho taughtme as a child.
I may or may not have voted for Ursula.
Thank you for the Conan reference. It was a nice tickle. Perhaps, we can thank Verena for connecting God to cleanliness?
Very interesting
So glad someone talked about hygiene
TY — Laurie Brock for that moving Collect and historical research on Verena of Zurzach. I would normally vote at the end of my day when I worked nights a few years ago..2019 and thru C19 at my wholesale club staying open until 10:00 pm.
And what's with all the whiners this year? Wow-guys mainly..
I can no longer vote due to technical difficulties. Either on my end or the Forward Movement end. I plan to read along and drop out when we get to the final 8. Have a great day and stay blessed! ❤️
Ursula is the clear winner. "Little she bear". Huns. Thousands of martyred virgins. An obvious choice.
Saint Ursula because of Hildegarde Von Bingen (I have a recording of Anonymous 4 singing her St. Ursula chant) and also because I was born on her saint's day, October 21.
When given the choice between a martyr or someone who devoted their life to good and helping people--I will always choose the one who heals. Verena of Zurzach for the win!
I must say, having to click all those pictures in the Captcha requires the patience of a saint.
Verena caught my attention as an ascetic. I am in awe of self discipline. The fortitude of her convictions, is inspiring. Refusing to worship idols, and being true to God as well as abstinence, certainly says to me that repeatedly her faith was strong and seemingly nothing could tear her away from a life devoted to worshipping through praying.
Gosh...took me longer than usual to decide which of these faithful and inspiring women deserves me vote. So...I may have or may not have voted for Ursula or I may have or may not have voted for Verena of Zuzach!! I'm not sure either one of them will be wearing the Golden Halo come Easter.
How long was the Coptic Church the primary source of Christianity?