Susanna Rookwood
In 1609 Mary Ward stayed with Susanna Rookwood and her family in their home in Suffolk. Susanna, who was 26 at the time was struck by the enthusiasm and faith of her younger cousin, and felt too, that she wished to do something for England. It was then that she chose to go to St Omer, in France, with Mary and there to seek light on the meaning of this vocation. Within a few years, Susanna was back in London as superior of a community of six members, leading the double life that Catholics were compelled to live in those dangerous days. In 1622, Mary Ward asked her to come to Rome to assist in the presentation and defence of the Third Plan of the Institute before the committee of cardinals. She worked for a year as secretary and assistant to Mary Ward who valued her services highly, but realised that her spiritual gifts were underused. Consequently, when the new house was set up in Naples in 1623, Susanna was named as the first superior. She was in office for only six months when she became ill and died.