112-Year-Old American Nun Becomes World’s Oldest Living Nun

From World Wars to Wi-Fi: America’s Oldest Nun Still Going Strong

Aug 5, 2025 - 08:06
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112-Year-Old American Nun Becomes World’s Oldest Living Nun
World's oldest nun, Sister Francis Piscatella

Sister Francis Piscatella, a 112-year-old American nun, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest living nun in the world. Born in 1913, her extraordinary life spans more than a century of devotion, education, and unwavering faith.

Sister Francis, who currently lives in Lancaster, USA, has served the Catholic Church for an astonishing 94 years. She joined the convent in 1931 at the age of 18 and went on to become a respected mathematics teacher, serving in schools and colleges across the United States until she retired at the age of 84.

Despite being wheelchair-bound and partially deaf, Sister Francis remains mentally alert and spiritually engaged. Known for her sharp wit and humble demeanour, she continues to participate in community prayer and offers guidance to younger members of the convent.

“I never thought I’d live this long,” she reportedly said with a smile upon receiving the recognition. “God still has a purpose for me.”

Over the course of her lifetime, Sister Francis has witnessed two world wars, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, the civil rights movement, and the digital revolution. She has also lived through the terms of 20 US presidents and served under seven popes.

She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree—an impressive feat, especially considering the era in which she pursued higher education. Her career as an educator left a lasting impression on countless students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in science, engineering, and education.

Her recognition by Guinness World Records is not just a celebration of longevity but also a tribute to a life of service, faith, and resilience. The Catholic community in the United States and beyond has praised the announcement, calling Sister Francis a “living testament to the power of faith and purpose.”

Relatives, former students, and fellow nuns gathered at her residence in Lancaster to mark the occasion, with many sharing fond memories and heartfelt tributes.

“She has lived through more history than most of us will ever read about,” said one fellow nun. “Yet she remains as humble and kind-hearted as ever.”

As the world’s oldest living nun, Sister Francis Piscatella stands as a beacon of quiet strength, proving that a life of service can leave a lasting legacy across generations.

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