World’s Oldest Living Nun Shares Life Advice

Francis Dominisi Piscaterra, who resides in Long Island, New York, holds the title of the world’s oldest living nun at 112 years old. She has just four simple words for anyone aspiring to reach such a remarkable age.

Ms. Piscaterra spent her senior year on the South Shore and has dedicated 94 years to her work within the Catholic Church. Her advice? Embrace the virtues you see in family and friends.

In her own words, she shares this wisdom: “Tell me until you die, you must be a saint before you go to heaven.”

Currently, she lives at the Queen of the Rosary Mother House in Amityville, illustrating a rich journey of faith throughout her life.

Her life took a significant turn when she was just two years old and was caught in a train accident in Central Islip, resulting in the loss of her left forearm. She recalls her brother’s insistence on not allowing her to help, saying, “My mother refused to let them help me because you will not have sisters forever, so you’d just be better off shaping things for yourself.”

The inspiration for her Catholic faith stemmed from the deep love she observed among her family members and the community around her.

Despite her challenges, Ms. Piscaterra had to prove physically that her disability wouldn’t hinder her service, which made finding a monastery quite difficult back in 1931.

She noted that monasteries weren’t typically accommodating to those with disabilities. “It’s not a holiday area,” she explained, emphasizing the work-focused environment. It wasn’t until a fellow nun sought change and opened up a teaching position that Ms. Piscaterra was able to join the Dominicans.

From ages 17 to 84, she held various management roles and taught numerous subjects, such as mathematics, history, and arithmetic.

Now, at 112, Ms. Piscaterra is cherished by the Catholic community in Long Island, celebrating her birthday surrounded by those she loves. She finds joy in prayer and the company of her community.