“Save Moms, Save Babies”: A Grateful Reflection on Good Counsel’s First-Ever Pro-Life Symposium

On April 5, 2025, Good Counsel celebrated 40 years of life-affirming service with our inaugural Pro-Life Symposium at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY. What a grace-filled day it was—uniting hearts, minds, and voices in joyful witness to the sacred cause of life.

We were honored to begin the day with a conversation between Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Catholic Register and His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan. In his candid, pastoral way, Cardinal Dolan celebrated the recent closure of the Bleecker Street Planned Parenthood—calling it a “victory for life.” And when critics ask what pro-lifers do to help women and families, he doesn’t hesitate: “I tell them, get in the car and I’ll show you one of Chris Bell’s Good Counsel homes.”

Following the interview, Cardinal Dolan celebrated Holy Mass in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Seminary. His homily was deeply moving, drawing from the day’s readings and reflecting the theme of the symposium: joy, courage, and the sacred dignity of all life. He described the moment as “Christmas in the middle of Lent,” a powerful light shining in the darkness and a call to recommit ourselves to life and love.

The morning panel, “A New Vision for the Pro-Life Movement,” was moderated by Sister Dede Byrne, who introduced herself as “pro-life from womb to tomb.” She spoke of her personal vow to defend life at every stage, her work in abortion pill reversal, and an upcoming EWTN documentary exploring the threat of euthanasia. Sister Dede reminded us that the culture of life demands courage, compassion, and consistency.

Melissa Ohden of the Abortion Survivors Network shared her stunning testimony as an abortion survivor—giving voice to thousands whose lives began in violence but were redeemed by grace. Nicole Moore from Pregnancy Help NYC spoke with urgency about providing practical support in post-Roe New York. Deb O’Hara of O’Connell House reminded us of the deep ties between trafficking and abortion, urging us to serve vulnerable women with compassion and resources. Dr. Monique Ruberu, a Pro-Life OB-GYN, shared stories of how women’s healthcare can be radically transformed when rooted in truth and love. The message was clear: we must surround women with real, lasting support—before, during, and after birth.

The afternoon panel, “Manning Up Without Counting the Cost,” was led by Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, CFR, who challenged men to reclaim their God-given role as protectors and providers. Reflecting on Adam’s failure in the garden, Fr. Fidelis emphasized the need for men to show up—to be present, sacrificial, and strong. John Hinshaw, recently pardoned for his peaceful witness to life, shared his testimony of bold, faithful fatherhood. Mark Houck, arrested under the FACE Act, spoke passionately about leading men’s groups and calling other men to step up. Fr. Isaiah Beiter, OP, shared powerful insights from his ministry to college students, describing a generation that has rarely witnessed the beauty of fatherhood and the strength of faithful men. Each voice echoed the need for holy masculinity in a culture that is desperate for it.

Later in the day, we heard from Helen Alvaré and Bishop Byrne, both longtime champions for life, who shared their wisdom on legal and cultural challenges and the hope they still hold for the future—especially in the heart of the abortion capital of the world, New York City.

Our co-founder Chris Bell closed the day with a stirring address, reminding us: “The hand of God is moving—do not be afraid!” His words filled us with renewed fire to go into the world, support mothers and babies, and actively build the culture of life one family at a time.

We were honored by the presence of the Sisters of Life, whose joyful witness is always a beacon, and by the seminarians of Saint Joseph’s Seminary, who were a tremendous help and encouragement throughout the day. Joan Bell, in her quiet strength, stood beside her husband and this mission with grace and joy. We are especially grateful to Theresa Bonopartis, director of Lumina, Good Counsel’s post-abortion healing ministry, and to the many Good Counsel staff who were interviewed and served throughout the event with incredible dedication.

The entire symposium was livestreamed on Good Counsel’s YouTube channel, and we were thrilled to have students from St. Joseph by the Sea High School in Staten Island serve as our news anchors throughout the day. Their professionalism and enthusiasm brought youthful energy to our celebration—and we thank them and their teachers for making it happen. Click here to watch the replay of the event on Good Counsel's youtube channel.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Ave Maria University, BEER Architectural Group, Charles and Mary Cross Foundation, Human Life Foundation Inc, Genesis Exhibits, Feminists Choosing Life of New York, and the Thomas Moore Society.

To our board members, volunteers, donors, and every attendee—thank you. Your presence made our 40th Anniversary celebration unforgettable, and your support fuels our mission every day.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to saving moms, saving babies, and fostering a culture of life rooted in faith, hope, and love. Here's to the next 40 years.

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