DENVER, February 6, 2024 — The story of Servant of God, Michelle Duppong, whose life bore witness to heroic Christian suffering and passion to invite others to be transformed by the love of Christ is being released in select theaters across the nation, as the investigation into Michelle’s cause for sainthood continues.

In June 2022, Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck, North Dakota, announced the opening of the diocesan investigation which could lead to the beatification and canonization of Michelle. On December 25, 2015, Duppong died of cancer at the age of 31. At the time of her death, she was 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.

As the petitioner of Michelle’s cause, FOCUS is honored to embrace the responsibility of making known to the world the importance of her story. The diocesan investigation, involving the collection of evidence about Michelle’s life and deeds, witness testimonies and the compilation of private and public writings, will lead to a presentation of the evidence at the Vatican. If the first step is accepted, the Roman phase of the investigation process will begin.

The film, directed by Danny Anderson, tells the story of Michelle’s beautiful and faith-filled life, especially during her diagnoses, treatment, and death. The documentary was aired during the annual SEEK Conference in January where thousands viewed the film and now additional screenings have been added across the country. Upcoming showings:

• Denver — Wednesday, February 7, at 7:00 pm
• Washington D.C. — Thursday, February 22, at 7:00 pm
• St. Louis — Wednesday, February 28, at 7:00 pm
• Dallas — Wednesday, April 3, at 7:00pm

“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.”

For more information about the film, please visit focus.org/michelleduppong

If you are interested in attending any of the showings and/or would like additional information, please contact the FOCUS media team at: [email protected].

Watch the trailer for “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story here.

About FOCUS:

FOCUS is an international Catholic outreach organization, serving more than 200 college campuses and more than 20 parish communities. Through Bible Studies, mentorship, mission trips, conferences and partnerships with priests, bishops and parishes, FOCUS missionaries walk alongside students and parishioners in their journey of faith, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization and discipleship. Since FOCUS was founded in 1998, more than 1,000 people have entered the seminary or religious orders after connecting with a missionary on college campuses. More than 50,000 FOCUS alumni serve in parishes and communities across the world to continue their lifelong mission of evangelization and leading others to pursue lives of virtue and excellence. focus.org

For more information about FOCUS, please visit focus.org

###