Paterson NJ Bishop’s column on Joan Andrews and the incarcerated eight.

The Bishop is Kevin J Sweeney and he is relatively young – 53 – and originally from Queens, NY. He  was ordained a priest in 1997 and installed as Bishop of Paterson NJ on April 15, 2020.

It's a beautiful column, al.  We have excerpted the first part; hit the link for the entire column.

It was not my intention or plan to write on a similar topic or theme for two consecutive weeks, but as I was writing my column last week, I learned some news that caused me to change my plans. I decided that I should write about Joan (Andrews) Bell, her inspiring life and dedication to the pro-life cause, and her current “status” (in prison).

As I was writing my column last week, looking towards “Respect Life Month” and sharing my decision to celebrate a monthly “Pro-Life” Mass, followed by a peaceful, prayerful procession to a facility that promotes and/or performs abortion, I was in contact with Chris Bell (Joan’s husband). Just before contacting Chris, I “googled” Joan, remembering that she had been facing a trial in Washington, D.C. I quickly learned that, on Sept. 15, Joan and two others had been convicted on “federal charges for blockade at an abortion clinic.” An article in Catholic Review shares some details about Joan and the two others who were convicted. It says the following about Joan:

Joan Andrews Bell, 74, of Montague, N.J. — Bell gained fame decades ago for her participation in Operation Rescue and her willingness to endure long terms of incarceration, including solitary confinement, after clinic blockade and trespassing convictions.

Her husband, Christopher Bell, is president and executive director of the New Jersey-based Good Counsel Homes. Joan Andrews Bell declined a lawyer and represented herself in court.