Her Story: On December 29, 2014, Michelle was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer while serving as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Bismarck Diocese. 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. On November 1st, 2022, Bishop David Kagan celebrated the Opening Mass for the Cause of Canonization.
All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it. Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified."
Intercessory Prayer: Jesus, I praise and thank You for the life of Your servant Michelle Duppong. In her life and suffering, she joined You in Your thirst for souls and embraced the cross offered to her. Following her example, I ask for the special grace of blessings for the youth of our area and the complete healing of Dan Reichley, and, if it brings You greater glory, that she be honored by Your Church. Jesus, I ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.