Michelle Duppong documentary screening

Michelle was a woman of deep faith who attended St. Paul's Newman Center from 2002-2006 before serving as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. She was also a FOCUS missionary for six years, inspiring and guiding countless individuals to grow in their relationship with God.

We are so excited to celebrate the opening of the diocesan investigation of Michelle Christine Duppong, which could lead to her beatification and canonization.

On December 29, 2014, Michelle was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer while serving as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. Before that, Duppong had served as a FOCUS missionary for six years. She battled the disease with perseverance and a docile spirit until December 25, 2015, when she passed away at the age of 31. Bishop David Kagan, Diocese of Bismarck, N.D., announced the opening of the investigation June 15, at the Commissioning Mass at FOCUS New Staff Training at the University of Mary.

“Michelle was a radiant, joyful woman with the heart of a true servant,” said Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary. “For the students on our campus, she was an inspiration and a treasured mentor, teaching them by her example the transformative power of friendship with God.”

The diocesan investigation, which involves the gathering of evidence about Michelle’s life and deeds, will include witness testimonies and the compilation of private and public writings. When this is completed, the next stage towards the Cause for Beatification and Canonization is for the evidence to be presented by the diocese to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. From there, the cause could proceed at a steady pace.

FOCUS invites the public to pray for the progression of the diocese investigation and will be sharing more about her life through various platforms.