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| Servant of God Michelle Duppong |
Michelle Christine Duppong was born in 1984 and grew up on her family’s farm in Haymarsh, North Dakota. The fourth of six children, she helped with gardening, harvesting, and caring for sheep. Family life joined hard work with Catholic faith, preparing her for a vocation that would lead her to share the Gospel with others.
At North Dakota State University, Michelle studied horticulture and encountered the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, known as FOCUS. After graduating in 2006, she became a FOCUS missionary. For six years, she accompanied college students as they grew in faith, serving on four campuses, including the University of Mary. Those who knew her remembered her joy, generosity, and desire to help others develop a friendship with Jesus.
In 2012, Michelle became Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. She brought her missionary spirit to this work, helping organize opportunities for people to encounter Christ, including the diocese’s first Thirst Conference. Her mission now reached beyond college campuses into the wider Church.
On December 29, 2014, surgery revealed advanced cancer. The following year brought treatments, hospital stays, and severe pain. Michelle continued to pray for healing while entrusting herself to God. According to her family, she offered her suffering for others and remained attentive to the troubles of people around her, including hospital staff. Even during illness, her concern for souls continued.
Michelle died at home on Christmas Day, 2015, aged thirty-one. Her family gathered around her, singing, praying, and expressing their love.
On November 1, 2022, Bishop David Kagan formally opened her cause for beatification and canonization. She is known as Servant of God Michelle Duppong. Her life remains a witness to joyful discipleship and to the possibility of continuing to love and serve others through suffering.
For a devotional image of Servant of God Michelle, click here: Maryvale Catholic Press
