Servant of God

A new book offers a glimpse into the faith-filled life and journey of Servant of God Michelle Duppong.
 
Members of the guild, a group of individuals who work to promote the cause for sainthood, have recently published a book titled, “Radiating Joy: Servant of God Michelle Duppong —Journey of Hope.” The 274-page book is a collection of Michelle’s speeches and articles for the Dakota Catholic Action while she worked in the office of faith formation at the Bismarck Diocese. 
 
On page 73 of the book, the entry dated January 30, 2015, Michelle wrote to tell the news of her cancer diagnosis. With these words she shared, “On December 29, I had surgery to have an ovarian cyst removed. Much to my surprise and shock, along with that of my family and doctors, I awoke to my mom and sister telling me that I didn’t actually have a cyst but that my abdomen is riddled with an aggressive gastro-intestinal cancer. All were flabbergasted at this news.”
 
The immediate next sentence of her writing revealed her true nature, “Upon hearing this, I knew that this was God’s will and that He would be with me in the midst of whatever would happen…” Later in this writing, she explained, “We have no idea how God’s plan will unfold in our lives and how He is using us to reach others. We know that we’re all in this together and that we’re all on the same team in the body of Christ, so I see the present suffering as taking one for the team. May God be glorified by all the good that comes through this!”
  
The last portion of the book contains writings from Michelle’s last year of life which encompasses her entries for the Caring Bridge website, a site used to update followers about her journey through her cancer battle. While most of the health journey entries on the site during this time were written by family members, Michelle did offer some updates herself and those are included in the book. Her entries depicted the often-extreme ups and downs that come with cancer treatments filled with hope followed by disappointments and pain, only to be propped up with hope again as doctors guided Michelle through her diagnosis, procedures and surgeries.
 
Michelle’s final entry for the Caring Bridge website was dated October 19, 2015. It began with her ever-present gratitude to those reading for their prayers and acts of charity that are carrying her and her family through the recent “trials we’ve undergone.” The entry went on to describe an infection, one of many setbacks she fought off during treatment. 
 
This final website journal entry concluded by echoing her constant reminder of the end goal.
 
“Heaven will be so wonderful with no more pain and suffering,” Michelle wrote. “Let’s all keep our eyes on the prize so we can enjoy it together!”
 
Letter to Jesus
 
At the end of the book is Michelle’s last known writing—a beautiful hand-written, personal letter to Jesus dated October 21, 2015—65 days before she died.
 
Her letter to Jesus began with gratitude for her life, her faith and her family and friends. She expressed her greatest desire as she wrote, “I not only want to be a saint, but I want to be a great saint that leads others to You all for Your greater honor and glory, of course!” She went on to ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and thank Him for the grace of confession.
 
With the final paragraph of Michelle’s letter, she asked of the Lord, “If you take me home soon, please fill my family and friends along with the multitudes who have been lifting me up in prayer with joy and peace knowing that Your love wins in the end.”
 
Her final written words revealed her pure faith, “Jesus, I love You and I trust in You, but please help me to trust and love You more!” The letter is signed, “Your daughter, Michelle Christine.”
 
 Get the book
 
The book is available for purchase at michelleduppongcause.org along with various other items. All donations made to the cause and all proceeds from the sale of items listed under this link go towards moving Michelle’s cause forward. Items can be picked up locally at the diocesan Center for Pastoral Ministry or shipped directly.