Dominican Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and unwavering purpose.
Born in Central Islip, New York, in 1913, she was one of seven children of Italian immigrants and has lived through an extraordinary sweep of history, from the era of horse drawn carriages to the age of smartphones. At just two years old, she lost her left forearm in an accident involving a passing train, an event that made headlines in local newspapers at the time.
Despite this early trauma, Sister Francis was undeterred by physical limitations or by rejection from religious institutions because of her disability. Her mother, who had immigrated from Italy, instilled in her self reliance and the firm belief that nothing was impossible. These lessons shaped her work ethic, compassion for others, and lifelong optimism.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, Sister Francis found her spiritual home with the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, at a time when hope was scarce for many. She went on to become a trailblazing educator, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from St. John’s University, and becoming one of the first women in her family to earn a college degree.
Over the decades, she inspired countless students as a mathematics teacher in Brooklyn and at Dominican Commercial High School in Queens. She later devoted an extraordinary fifty two years to Molloy College, where she helped shape generations of students and where the auditorium now proudly bears her name. Even after retiring at age eighty four, she continued serving her community by sponsoring new nuns, volunteering at local food banks, and working in the college’s Financial Aid office, always making time to listen to students’ stories.
As a supercentenarian, Sister Francis continues to radiate vitality and joy. She was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living nun following the passing of Inah Canabarro Lucas in 2025, a Brazilian Catholic nun who lived to the age of 116 years and 326 days. Over her lifetime, Sister Francis has voted in twenty two presidential elections and has witnessed two World Wars, the moon landing, and the invention of television and the internet. She has lived through the leadership of nine popes and met three of them in person during pilgrimages to Rome.
Her resilience remained evident during the COVID 19 pandemic, when she attended virtual Masses and maintained an active spiritual life. Now, at age 112, she continues to participate in weekly activities and recently won a bingo tournament at her convent, the Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Dominic in Amityville. She remains more active than many individuals decades younger. Her 112th birthday was celebrated by family and fellow sisters with more than one hundred guests, a live jazz band, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States, reflecting the admiration and affection she has earned over a remarkable life.
Throughout the years, Sister Francis has repeatedly overcome adversity, including a serious car accident that shattered her right arm and a near fatal brain bleed resulting from a fall at age 102. She has also undergone a hip replacement, among other challenges. Her signature phrase, “God’s not ready for me yet,” captures her humor and enduring zest for life. Her independence, devotion to family, and love of traditional Italian dishes such as cavatelli and homemade biscotti make her the heart of every gathering. For her 112th birthday, she specifically requested cavatelli, eggplant, and chicken salad, a reflection of her enduring tastes.
Although recognized as the oldest religious woman in the United States, Sister Francis continues to live with grace and style, getting her hair done weekly and never allowing the passage of time to dull her spirit.
Her journey, spanning from before World War I to the present day, reminds us that courage, laughter, and kindness never go out of fashion. She offers four simple words of advice to anyone hoping to match her longevity: “Teach until you die.” Her life is a powerful testament to purpose, positivity, and faith, proving that age truly is just a number.
