By Isabella Nucci
What does it mean to live with a heart fully surrendered to God?
For Michelle Duppong, it meant living with unwavering faith, contagious joy and a deep commitment to sharing Christ’s love with others. Even in her greatest suffering, Michelle showed the world what it means to trust in God’s plan.
Now, we have the chance to experience the remarkable life and faith of a modern-day Servant of God on the big screen. This November, her inspiring story comes to life in “Radiating Joy,” a powerful documentary about her mission to share Christ’s love with everyone she encountered.
“Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story” will be shown in over 800 theaters nationwide on November 12th for one day only. It will offer a powerful and moving look into Michelle’s journey of holiness, courage and love for Christ.
Michelle Duppong’s story may seem simple at first. Baptized at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Arvada, Duppong’s family moved to North Dakota, where she was raised on a farm, studied horticulture at North Dakota State University, and embraced her love for nature and simple living. Her life became extraordinary through her profound faith and desire to bring others closer to Christ. Duppong dedicated six years of her life to serving as a missionary on various college campuses with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), where she joyfully shared the Gospel through friendship and authentic connection with students. In short, as Father Nathan Cromly, a friend of Michelle’s, said, “She wanted to bring Jesus to the world. It’s just that simple.”
Duppong’s deep devotion to her mission was rooted in her desire for sainthood–not for her own glory, but to lead others to Christ. A reflection of her heart of faith, joy, simplicity and persevering trust in God, she once journaled: “Jesus, 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 glory and honor.” Duppong’s example reminds us that holiness doesn’t require grand gestures; it flows from everyday moments of friendship, love and surrender to God’s will.
In 2014, Duppong was diagnosed with cancer, but her diagnosis did not weaken her spirit. She embraced her suffering with grace and faith, continuing to radiate the joy that defined her life. Even in the face of tremendous pain, Duppong’s love for Christ only deepened, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her and beyond.
Her life is a testament to that to which Christ calls each of us—living out of the truth in our daily lives and sharing the Gospel with everyone we encounter. Recognizing Duppong’s efforts on earth is incredibly important for those of us who aspire to live the life God calls each of us to live. In a Church filled with saints and martyrs who lived boldly and publicly, Duppong stands out as a witness to how the Lord calls us to follow him in our own unique ways. Her journey shows the transformative impact each person can make by fully embracing God’s call, regardless of how ordinary their life may seem.
“Radiating Joy” brings Duppong’s story to life, featuring personal accounts from those closest to her. Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary, where Duppong served as a missionary, beautifully captures her witness, saying, “Michelle Duppong gives us, really beautifully, the example of what it means to live with a fierce allegiance to the invisible world.” Her faith and courage stand as a model for all of us, demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, we can continue to live fully for Christ.
Duppong’s legacy, now recognized by the Church as she progresses toward canonization, reminds us that holiness is possible for each of us. As Monsignor Shea put it: “She’s a small-town girl from the windblown prairies. She studied at a large university, and she got sick and passed away after great suffering. It’s not the most unusual story in the history of the world, but the Lord is using her life to impact people.”
Duppong’s simple yet profound faith continues to inspire others to seek God’s will in their own lives as they call upon her intercession and turn to her as a model of grace and joy amid suffering.
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To get your tickets for the one-day-only showing of “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story” on November 12, click here.
To learn more about Michelle Duppong, visit FOCUS’ website and read more from the Denver Catholic:
Servant of God Michelle Duppong’s Colorado roots grow to potential sainthood
New film tells story of Michelle Duppong, campus missionary and possible saint
The Eucharistic heart of Jesus on full display in Arvada procession
Isabella Nucci is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado.
