Parents of Servant of God Michelle Duppong to share their daughter’s story on Oct. 4, 2026, at National Shrine in Laurie
The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, will welcome Ken and Mary Ann Duppong, parents of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, for a special presentation on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
The presentation, “A Life of Hope and Joy: The Life of Michelle Duppong,” will offer an intimate look at the life, faith and witness of their daughter, who is under formal consideration for being declared a saint.
The presentation will take place at 3:30 p.m. in St. Leo Hall at St. Patrick Parish, 176 Marian Drive, off of Highway 5 in Laurie, following a special day of prayer and remembrance at the Shrine.
Preceding the presentation will be Mass and the unveiling of the newest names on the Mothers’ Wall of Life.
Michelle Duppong, a native of North Dakota, lived a life marked by deep Catholic faith, joyful service and a willingness to embrace God’s will.
After college, she served for six years as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), accompanying college students and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ.
She later served as diocesan director of adult faith formation for the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota.
She was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer in December 2014, at age 30.
During the year that followed, she faced her illness with remarkable faith, perseverance and trust in God.
She died on Dec. 25, 2015, at age 31.
On Nov. 1, 2022, Bishop David Kagan of the Bismarck diocese opened Michelle’s cause for canonization.
A story her parents can tell best
Ken and Mary Ann Duppong will share personal stories and memories of Michelle’s life, her faith, her missionary work, her battle with cancer, and the profound impact she continues to have on people throughout the country.
“There is something very powerful about hearing a story of faith directly from a mother and father who lived it alongside their daughter,” said Andrew Wright, executive director of The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.
“Ken and Mary Ann can help us see not only the young woman Michelle became, but the daughter they loved, the child they raised and the woman whose faith continues to inspire so many people,” he said.
Mr. Wright said Michelle’s story has particular significance at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.
“The Mothers’ Shrine is a place where we celebrate the gift of life, the vocation of motherhood and the extraordinary ways God works through families,” he said.
“Michelle’s story belongs here,” he continued. “Her life reminds us that holiness can be found in the middle of very real circumstances — work, friendship, service, suffering and family life.”
Michelle didn’t seek an extraordinary life; she sought to live an ordinary life extraordinarily well for Christ.
A documentary tells Michelle’s story
Those who would like to learn more about Michelle before attending the Oct. 4 presentation can watch the full-length documentary, “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story,” produced by FOCUS.
The documentary tells the story of Michelle’s life and her witness of Christian hope and suffering.
It provides an opportunity to see Michelle’s personality, hear from those who knew her, and better understand the faith that shaped her life.
“I would encourage people to watch the documentary before coming to The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church,” Mr. Wright said. “It gives you a wonderful introduction to Michelle, but then you have the opportunity on Oct. 4 to hear from Ken and Mary Ann themselves.”
He noted that there’s a beautiful difference between watching someone’s story and sitting with the people who loved her most and hearing them tell it.
The documentary is available to watch online through SEEK Replay at seekreplay.com/video/296, or on Formed at formed.org.
A day focused on life, motherhood and hope
The Oct. 4 gathering will be especially meaningful because it will begin with the Mothers’ Shrine’s continuing recognition of mothers and the gift of life.
Mass will be celebrated beginning at 1:30 at the outdoor altar of the Shrine, followed by the unveiling of the newest names on the Mothers’ Wall of Life.
The Wall of Life is inscribed with the names of over 5,500 names of mothers whose lives and stories are remembered at the Mothers’ Shrine.
For Mr. Wright, the connection between the Mothers’ Wall and Michelle’s story is significant.
“The Mothers’ Wall of Life reminds us that every mother has a story and that every life is a gift,” he said. “Michelle’s story reminds us what can happen when that gift is lived with courage, joy and complete trust in God.”
Bringing these two moments together on the same day will create a beautiful reflection on life, motherhood, faith and hope.
Following the unveiling, guests will be invited to a reception in St. Leo Hall before the 3:30 p.m. presentation by Ken and Mary Ann Duppong.
The Shrine welcomes individuals, families, parish groups, young adults, Catholic organizations and anyone interested in learning more about Michelle’s life and her witness of faith.
“We hope people will come not simply because Michelle’s cause for canonization has been opened, but because her story has something to say to each of us,” said Mr. Wright said. “We all experience suffering. We all face uncertainty. We all have opportunities to serve others.
“Michelle shows us that those moments can become opportunities to encounter Christ more deeply,” he said.
The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, located near the Lake of the Ozarks, is a place of prayer and pilgrimage dedicated to honoring Mary under her title as Mother of the Church.
The Shrine seeks to promote the dignity of motherhood, the preciousness of human life, the integrity of the family and a deeper understanding of Mary’s role in leading people to her Son, Jesus Christ.
For more information, visit mothersshrine.com.
To learn more about Servant of God Michelle Duppong, visit MichelleDuppongCause.org.
