Michelle Duppong

Servant of God Michelle Duppong
Born	January 25, 1984 Wheat Ridge, Colorado, US
Hometown	Haymarsh, North Dakota
Died	December 25, 2015 (aged 31) Haymarsh, North Dakota, US

Michelle Duppong (January 25, 1984 – December 25, 2015) was an American Catholic laywoman who served as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck before dying of cancer at the age of 31.[1][2] Previously, she worked as a campus minister with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a Catholic organization for college students, at various universities in the American Midwest. On November 1, 2022, the Diocese of Bismarck began promoting the cause of her beatification, granting her the title Servant of God.[3]

Early life and education

Michelle Christine Duppong was born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado[4] to a Catholic family on January 25, 1984, later moving to Haymarsh, North Dakota at the age of 1.[5] After graduating high school, Duppong enrolled in North Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in horticulture in 2006.[6]

Missionary work with FOCUS

At North Dakota State, she first encountered the Catholic campus ministry FOCUS, which led her working with the ministry post-graduation for six years, including at the University of Mary.[6] She was known for being a mentor towards students and showing kindness to many around her, even helping influence men to join the priesthood and women to become religious sisters.[7] Over her time in the ministry, she worked with hundreds of students at various universities.[6]

After working with FOCUS, Michelle Duppong became the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck, where she coordinated various events in the diocese, including conferences and outreach events.[1]

In 2014, Duppong was diagnosed with stage four cancer, in what was initially thought were ovarian cysts.[8] Throughout her time with cancer, she was known for being "docile to the Will of God" and being a positive presence in the hospital she was in.[7] She died on Christmas Day, which she had reportedly predicted.[9]

A documentary about her life, “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story” was released in 2024.[10]

Beatification process

On June 16, 2022, it was announced that a formal inquiry would be started on Duppong's life.[11] On All Saints Day of that year, her cause for beatification was opened based on her reported holiness as well as miracles being granted through her intercession, including the healing of a woman with the same type of cancer as Duppong had.[12] She was declared Servant of God by Bishop David Kagan in November 2022 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck.[13]

References

1. "U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Servant of God Michelle Duppong | USCCB". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
2. "She lives with Him". Knights of Columbus, Columbia Magazine, page 8. 2024-04-01. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
3. "Former FOCUS Missionary Michelle Duppong, Now 'Servant of God,' Continues to Inspire With Her Holy Life". NCR. 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
4. Cervantes, Makena (2022-11-18). "Servant of God Michelle Duppong's Colorado roots grow to potential". Denver Catholic. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
5. Cervantes, Makena (2022-11-18). "Servant of God Michelle Duppong's Colorado roots grow to potential". Denver Catholic. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
6. "Bishop David Kagan Begins the Process for the Canonization of Michelle Christine Duppong". FOCUS. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
7. Michelle Duppong, retrieved 2023-10-30
8. "Taking one for the team". Bismarck Diocese. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
9. "Christmas Memories From Servant of God Michelle Duppong's Mother". NCR. 2022-12-24. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
10. Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story | Official Trailer (2024), retrieved 2024-01-30
11. CNA. "Did a saint work in Catholic campus ministry?". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
12. Someone You Should Know: Michelle Duppong, retrieved 2023-10-30
13. Rousselle, Christine (16 November 2022). "North Dakota millennial woman advances toward sainthood after the 'heroic sanctity' of her cancer battle". foxnews.com. Retrieved 8 November 2023.