The new year began in heartbreak for Cathy Tenedorio, whose son, Matthew, was tragically killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. As she grapples with the immense pain and unanswered questions, Cathy is turning to her Christian faith to guide her through the darkness.

“He just was a happy kid,” Tenedorio told CBN News, describing her 25-year-old son. “He was very expressive. He was very particular [and] meticulous. He was just a wonderful, wonderful person.”

Matthew was among 14 people killed when a terrorist drove a rented truck through a crowd. However, the exact details of his death remain unclear.

Matthew’s aunt, Linda Fleck, revealed the family had been left with conflicting reports. Eyewitnesses confirm Matthew wasn’t struck by the vehicle, and further examination has suggested other possible causes, including gunshot wounds and blunt-force injuries.

“We want answers,” Fleck said. “She, as a mother … deserves answers. Any mother would want answers.”

Despite the uncertainty, Cathy remains steadfast in her faith. She expressed confidence that clarity will eventually come, saying, “The manner of his death is never going to change. It’s a homicide. We just want to know what happened.”

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Cathy is relying on her faith to navigate the pain. She’s leaning on prayer and forgiveness — principles that have long been central to her life.

“My faith is strengthened,” she shared. “My life is going to be forever changed. I’m going to be able to help more people than I already helped because that’s my whole goal in life — to help people. That’s all I want to do.”

Cathy, known for ministering to others in times of need, is now experiencing the comfort of those she has helped in the past. She describes this reciprocal love as “beautiful” and believes it reflects Jesus’ example of servanthood.

In a remarkable display of grace, Cathy has chosen to forgive the man responsible for her son’s death.

“A man took my son’s life, but I have to forgive him,” she said. “He has to meet with God. He has to answer for that — not to me, to God. That’s how I look at it.”

Her decision to forgive isn’t rooted in passivity but in her faith. She cited 1 Corinthians 13, encouraging others to embrace love as described by the Apostle Paul: “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs.”

“It’s all about love,” she said. “Just love people as I do.”

Linda Fleck also leans on her faith as she mourns Matthew’s loss. She urged Christians to pray for the Tenedorio family, that “God would wrap His arms around” them and bring peace.

The grief extends beyond the family to Matthew’s beloved German shepherd, Brutus, who has been deeply affected by his absence.

“That dog’s still looking for him,” Fleck said. “Brutus doesn’t understand that Matthew’s not coming home.”

As the family seeks answers and processes their pain, Cathy’s words offer a powerful reminder of the redemptive power of faith and forgiveness. In her sorrow, she clings to the hope that her family will see Matthew again in eternity and continues to live out her calling to love and serve others, just as Christ did.