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At first glance, Michelle Duppong seemed like a regular smalltown girl. She was from North Dakota and attended NDSU. She was active in her church. Yet, those around Michelle knew she was special. She was a deeply devoted Catholic who inspired those around her. She stood as a holy example to many people who knew her up to the point of her death from cancer in 2015. Since then, Michelle’s legacy has grown to the point the Catholic Church is considering her for sainthood.
Michelle’s life is explored in a movie that will be shown at the Strand Theatre in Britton on Tuesday. The documentary “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story” is sponsored by St John De Britto Catholic Church and admission to the show will be free.
Michelle Duppong, born in 1984, moved with her family from Colorado to a farm in Haymarsh, North Dakota, when she was a year old. She cherished St. Clement’s, a small country church near her home, frequently visiting it as an adult to deepen her faith.
Michelle attended North Dakota State University, where her spiritual life flourished through the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Following graduation in 2006, she joined FOCUS as a missionary, mentoring hundreds of students on college campuses, including the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University, where she helped hundreds of young people grow in their relationship with Jesus.
It was at SDSU that a local woman made Michelle’s acquaintance. Amanda Nordquist of Lake City was an upperclassman at the university when Michelle came to campus with FOCUS. Nordquist became one of Michelle’s “disciples” (mentees) through the organization, but perhaps more importantly, the pair became good friends.
Nordquist explains that Michelle was a joyful person even as she was down to earth and a great leader. “The thing I remember most about her was just her genuine joy and how that drew people to her,” says Nordquist. “She wasn’t afraid to challenge people (including me!) but did so in such a kind, loving way.” The former “disciple” adds that Michelle also helped further her own devotion and prayer life.
After her time at SDSU, Michelle went on to become Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. Diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Michelle faced her illness with faith and resilience, inspiring others through her unwavering trust in God, devotion to prayer, and acts of charity. She passed away on Dec. 25, 2015, at age 31.
Since her death, reports of answered prayers attributed to Michelle’s intercession have continued, with claims of miraculous healings and couples conceiving children. On June 15, 2022, Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck announced the diocesan investigation into her life, a step in the process of canonization. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has since expressed support, and Michelle is now recognized as a “Servant of God,” the first step toward possible sainthood.
Nordquist went on to write a letter to support Michelle’s consideration for this incredible honor. She emphasized, “For Michelle, looking for joy and being willing to trust in God’s goodness, even in the face of immense challenges, like her cancer diagnosis, was the beautiful lesson that helped put forward her case for sainthood.”
The film “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story” is showing at the Strand Theatre in Britton on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and concessions are available.
