World’s Oldest Nun Shares Secrets to Longevity

No nun can surpass her age.

Sister Frances Dominisi Piscatella, recognized as the oldest nun at 112 years old, has a few simple words of wisdom for those aiming for a long life.

“Please tell me until you die,” Piscatella mentioned during a recent interview after celebrating her birthday in late April.

Residing on Long Island’s South Shore, she is marking her 94th year of service in the Catholic Church. She suggests people should embrace the goodness they observe in their loved ones.

“You have to be a saint before you go to heaven,” she added.

Currently living at the Queen of Rosario Mother House in Amityville, Piscatella reflects on her lengthy journey of faith and destiny.

“For some reason, God still doesn’t want me,” shared the long-time member of the Dominican Order. “I feel normal. I never really thought about my age; it just happened to me.”

Tragically, at just two years old, she lost her left forearm in a train accident while living in Central Islip.

“I was the second oldest of seven. My mother didn’t let me help,” she recalled, adding, “That’s what I did. No one really had to help with anything,” said the centenarian.

A Blessed Life

Growing up in a large Italian immigrant family, her calling to serve came from the love shared within her family and community. Her father worked on the Long Island Railroad and often brought sandwiches his wife made for lunchtime, while her mother was known for preparing meals for local nuns.

In such an environment, it felt natural for Piscatella to join religious orders right after high school.

“Helping people is normal for me, and I enjoyed it,” she stated.

However, in 1931, finding a monastery willing to accept her with only one arm wasn’t easy; she had to prove that her limitations wouldn’t hinder her service.

She eventually linked up with the Dominicans through another nun who was looking for a change in her educational role.

“The priest asked, ‘Well, can she teach?’ And my sister replied, ‘Oh, she’s a great teacher.’

“He responded, ‘Then she’ll stay.’ And she never looked back,” Piscatella remembered.

From age 17 until she was 84, Piscatella worked in various administrative roles teaching subjects like mathematics, history, and arithmetic.

“I don’t want to brag, but I was pretty good at everything. I taught well because I was learning too,” Piscatella explained.

Today, she finds joy in deep prayer and connection with God, serving as a role model in the Catholic community on Long Island.

“She accepts God’s will. Throughout her life, I’ve never heard her complain,” said Kammer, a friend.

“She had a brain hemorrhage 11 years ago, and people thought she wouldn’t walk or talk again. Yet, she accepted that, and here she is, walking and talking.”

Piscatella feels grateful to still be “able to think” as she enjoys her senior years.

“I could still teach, or at least I think so,” she reflected.