More than a month after losing her son, Matthew, in the tragic New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans, Cathy Tenedorio is finding strength in her faith and the kindness of others. In a deeply moving moment, she and her husband, Louis, were invited to the 2025 Super Bowl to honor Matthew’s life alongside the families of other victims and first responders.

The Tenedorios, along with members of the New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS, and New Orleans Police, took part in a tribute that recognized all 14 victims of the attack. Photos of the victims were held up during the coin toss, making for an emotional yet beautiful display of remembrance.

“They honored the 14 victims,” Cathy told CBN News. “It was just beautiful.”

While nothing can take away the pain of losing her son, Cathy said the experience provided deep comfort, making her feel seen and supported.

“It was very moving to be a part of,” she said. “I’m very humbled by it, and I just … wish this could happen for everyone — that everyone’s life was celebrated like my son’s life has been.”

Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, former President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at the Super Bowl, made a point to meet with the families of the victims and first responders. Cathy described the moment as “very awesome,” sharing that Trump personally greeted her father, shaking his hand and thanking him for his military service.

“It was a quick moment, but he was very nice,” she said. “It was very, very, very awesome.”

For Cathy, Trump’s decision to come down and meet with them rather than staying in the suites showed that he truly cared about honoring the victims.

“I feel like it was very important to him,” she noted.

Despite the immense grief, Cathy remains steadfast in her faith, which has been her anchor through the heartbreak of losing Matthew.

“I go to church every Sunday,” she shared. “I read my Bible. I pray. I’m just … holding onto my faith.”

As she and her husband adjust to life without their son, they continue to work through the trauma, leaning on their church and community for support.

Cathy also experienced what she calls a “miracle” in the form of a police officer who was with Matthew in his final moments. She credits God for connecting her with this officer, who provided the answers she had long sought.

“We don’t have the autopsy report quite yet,” she said, but she takes great comfort in knowing that a kind, faithful man was with her son, praying over him in his last moments.

“It brings me peace,” she said. “He’s at rest. He’s at peace, and a wonderful, kind man was with him making that transition.”