At 113 years old, Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella is more than just a witness to history—she is a living testament to faith admist adversary. As the oldest woman religious in the United States, the Dominican Sister of Amityville in New York State, recently celebrated her birthday and was added to the Guinness World records as the oldest nun in the world. Her great advice is to Pray and set the example for others.
A Century of Service and "Presence"
Sister Dominici’s life has been defined by a ministry of presence. Though she retired from a 52-year teaching career at age 84, her impact at the Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse remains profound.
Longevity: A member of her order since 1931, she has lived through the terms of 20 U.S. Presidents and eight Popes.
The Power of Presence: Prioress Sister Peggy McVetty notes that Sister Dominici’s joy isn't just a polite label—it’s a tangible reality that anchors the community.
Active Faith: Despite her age, she remains a "fixture" at daily Mass and participates in weekly activities, showing more mobility than many sisters 20 years her junior.
Defying the Odds
Sister Dominici’s journey has been marked by overcoming physical hurdles that might have sidelined others:
Early Adversity: At age two, her left forearm was amputated. This led several religious orders to reject her before the Amityville Dominicans welcomed her.
Academic Excellence: She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John’s University, eventually teaching math and working in finance.
Physical Resilience: She has survived a shattered arm from a car accident, a hip replacement, and a near-fatal brain bleed at the age of 102.
"If anyone was helping somebody, it was I helping them," she remarked in 2022, crediting her independent spirit to her mother.
Modern Statistics & Celebrations
According to the Gerontology Research Group, Sister Dominici is the oldest nun in the U.S. she took the place of the former oldest nun in the world (who died at age 116 Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil).
Birthday Highlights
Entry into the Guiness World Records
The Spirit: Her favorite catchphrase remains, "God's not ready for me yet."
From the pre-WWI era to the age of COVID-19 boosters, Sister Dominici's spirit remains as vibrant as ever.
Sources https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/80815-oldest-nun-living
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