Relentless - Witness for Life - NYC-2/01/2025

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But why should that come as any surprise…

As I stood in the shadow of the Washington Monument a week ago, I saw a familiar figure in the distance and couldn’t help but smile.

“Of course she’s here,” I thought.

She—Joan Andrews Bell—had been released from federal prison just ten hours earlier, having been locked up for the “crime” of praying at an abortion clinic. The President’s pardon arrived only hours before her release.

And where did she choose to be in her first hours of freedom?

The March for Life.

By her side stood her husband, Chris Bell—co-founder, with Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, of Good Counsel Homes, a refuge of love and mercy for mothers and their children, born and unborn.

Their mission to offer a safe haven for those navigating the challenges of unplanned pregnancies.

Joan and Chris are living examples of extraordinary faith, hope, and service.

And frankly, most speak of them in reverent whispers, definitely as future saints.

So today, on the first Saturday of the month, a hundred or so gathered in Lower Manhattan for Witness for Life. And it made perfect sense that amongst them knelt others of the 23 who had been imprisoned—then pardoned—for their prayerful stand for life.

Once again, they took to the cold city streets, imploring Christ for healing and hope for all wounded by the scourge of abortion.

They are truly relentless.

Relentless in prayer.

In hope.

In courage.

And most especially, in love.

They offer themselves for the sake of others, standing as Witnesses to Life.

As Witnesses of Love.

But why should that come as any surprise?

Because those who stand on the front lines of this battle do not fight alone.

They follow the One who laid down His life—

For theirs

For ours

For the love of us all

And if there’s one thing that can be said about the Love of Jesus Christ, it’s this…

It’s relentless.

Scenes from the Witness for Life:

If you’d like to join the ranks and participate in an upcoming Witness for Life, you are more than welcome, and you’ll be in good company. Here are a few of the upcoming dates:

February 8 - Saturday - Brooklyn Witness for Life - 9:00 am at 44 Court Street

February 15 - Saturday - Bronx Witness for Life -8:00 am Mass at St. Rita of Cascia, 448 College Ave., Bronx, NY 10451

March 1 - Saturday - Manhattan Witness for Life - 8:00 am Mass at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry St., New York, NY 10012

If you feel called to attend, don’t hesitate! But if you cannot, it doesn’t matter where you are; you can always join your prayers with those present.

Originally posted on Instagram ‘Relentless - Witness for Life’

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You have my heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support, and please keep me in your prayers, and know of mine for each of you. God Bless, Jeff