The life of Sister Veronica Higgins, a devoted member of the Carmelite Sisters of St.
Thérèse of the Infant Jesus, was tragically cut short on Thursday afternoon following a car accident in rural Oklahoma.
Sister Veronica, 74, was driving along Oklahoma Highway 3, approximately four miles south of Okarche—well-known as the hometown of Blessed Stanley Rother—when her vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and came to rest in a creek.
Local authorities believe a medical incident may have contributed to the accident, according to a report by KOCO News.
Troopers noted that Sister Veronica appeared to have been ill prior to the collision, which they attributed as the primary cause.
Tributes to a Life of Faith and Service
News of Sister Veronica’s sudden passing has reverberated throughout the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Archbishop Paul Coakley expressed his condolences and paid tribute to her unwavering dedication to the Church.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, he wrote, “I have just learned of the sudden and unexpected death of Sister Veronica Higgins, CST, earlier today, Jan. 2.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Veronica, the Carmelite Sisters of St. Thérèse, and all who grieve her passing.”
The archbishop also invoked the traditional Catholic prayer for the dead, “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,” and assured the faithful that funeral arrangements for Sister Veronica would be announced in the near future.
A Legacy of Devotion and Compassion
Sister Veronica was deeply respected for her decades of service in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
She dedicated her life to living out the Carmelite charism, which emphasizes prayer, community, and ministry.
Her faith-filled presence touched countless lives, and her sudden loss has left a void in the hearts of many who knew her.
As the Church mourns her passing, the Carmelite Sisters of St.
Thérèse of the Infant Jesus, along with members of the archdiocese, are united in prayer, celebrating her contributions to their community and faith.
Funeral Arrangements and Continuing Prayers
Details regarding Sister Veronica’s funeral will soon be shared, offering an opportunity for friends, family, and the faithful to gather and honor her memory.
In the meantime, her community continues to draw strength from their faith, offering prayers for her eternal rest and for the healing of those who mourn her untimely passing.
The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of a life lived in service to God and others.