Mary Ward, one of the most interesting and attractive figures in early modern history, was born in Yorkshire during a period of relentless persecution for English Catholics. At a time when strict enclosure was prescribed for religious orders of women, she felt called by God to found a new congregation, modelled on the Society of Jesus: self-governing, unenclosed, and available for apostolic work worldwide, including the support of priests on the dangerous English Mission. Whether engaged in travel by sea and long, mountainous journeys, or planning with supportive Catholic princes for the...