Srinagar, May 20: Sister Piscatella who has devoted nearly a century to the Catholic Church, having served faithfully for years. At 112 years old, Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella of Long Island, New York, is the world’s oldest living nun — and she has just four words of advice for those hoping to match her remarkable longevity: “Teach until you die.”
Her deep calling to serve came from witnessing the compassion and love her family showed others. But pursuing religious life wasn’t easy in the early 20th century. Most convents at the time wouldn’t admit her due to her disability. “The convent was not a place for handicapped people,” she said. “It’s not a vacation area. You have to work.”
Currently residing at the Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse in Amityville, she remains a beloved figure in the local Catholic community, who recently celebrated her 112th birthday with her.
Her journey has been marked by extraordinary resilience. At just two years old, she was struck by a speeding train in Central Islip, losing her left forearm. Despite this life-altering injury, her mother insisted she learn independence early.
Eventually, Sister Piscatella found her place with the Dominican order, thanks to a teaching opportunity that opened a door. From age 17 to 84, she taught a variety of subjects, including math, history, and arithmetic, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
Despite the physical challenges she faced, she never let her disability define her. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and purpose.
“Teach until you die,” she said, speaking to The New York Post, adding a deeper message: “You have to be a saint before you get to heaven.”
