Sister Kathleen Higgins, M.M. celebrated her 70th Jubilee on February 12th, 2017. She was born in Brooklyn, entered Maryknoll in 1947. After earning her B.E. at Maryknoll Teachers College, she taught primary school in New York’s Chinatown for five years before setting out on foreign mission to Chile.
On her arrival, Sister Kathleen first dedicated herself to a year of language study. She then continued her education ministry in primary and secondary school until 1967, when her ministry shifted to pastoral work.
Sister returned to Chile after a six-month furlough and immediately immersed herself in teaching and catechesis. Full of love for the Chilean people, she served as Coordinator of Religious Education for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade children. In addition to this she moderated the parish youth group, taught English and Religion, and even acted as Middle School Principal for a time.
Then, in 1972, Sister Kathleen returned to the Center, where she worked in Information Services and Direct Mail until 1974. She next spent a year working in New Jersey with the Cuban population before going again to Chile to devote herself to another almost ten years of pastoral and catechetical work, including ministry to women and youth. During her final two years in South America, Sister Kathleen gave her love and energy in the slums, ministering to the poor and marginalized through soup kitchens, sewing groups, and many other types of service.
Since 1984, Sister has worked in various U.S. mission centers, first at the Center and the Seminary, then in NYC, San Jose, Redwood City, Los Angeles, and finally Monrovia, where she remains today. Throughout these years she has served in pastoral, teaching, and catechetical work: serving in numerous ways, from homeless shelters and RCIA programs to Bible groups and ESL classes. Today she is an active and loving member of the Monrovia community.