A Heart of Faith and Bravery, Guided by Grace

A Heart of Faith and Bravery, Guided by Grace

Barely a week had passed since we said goodbye to our beloved Amma when the sudden loss of our cherished Unni struck us. Words fail to convey the depth of our feelings and sorrow.  

A message of condolence from the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

Matthew Kurian Cherukara, whom we dearly called Unni, was a remarkable young man who, despite enduring extraordinary challenges, left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Born in 1996, Matthew's life was defined by his intellectual brilliance, unwavering resilience, and boundless curiosity.

At a very young age, Matthew was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain tumour that impacted his central nervous system. Over the years, he bravely faced three complex surgeries, enduring partial loss of both sight and hearing. Yet, despite these overwhelming obstacles, Matthew’s passion for learning and his academic excellence remained undeterred.

With friends in Hong Kong

A voracious reader and dedicated scholar, Matthew pursued his education with remarkable tenacity. He graduated with both an LLB and an LLM from The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad, one of India's premier law schools. In December of last year, he achieved yet another milestone by clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) and securing a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), a testament to his enduring commitment to knowledge.

With Ama in Disney Land, Hong Kong

Matthew’s courage and determination shone through even as his health worsened. Despite the relentless progression of his condition and the limited medical options available, he faced each challenge with strength and optimism. His doctors at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad had, over time, done all they could, though another surgery was deemed too risky.

Hong Kong 2013

Matthew was a man of deep faith and remarkable strength. Though fully aware of every detail of the terminal illness he was courageously fighting, he never once voiced a complaint. Instead, he held steadfast to the belief that God had a purpose for his suffering. His beloved parents, Kurian and Biji, and his beloved sister Anna devoted their lives to caring for him, carrying the weight of worry for his health. Even when they would voice heartache, questioning why God allowed such hardship for their child, Matthew remained unwavering in his trust in God's divine plan.

Hong Kong 2013

As he gradually lost his hearing, partially lost his sight, and found movement increasingly difficult, his mother encouraged him to pray to the Blessed Mother for healing. But Matthew, ever brave and surrendered to his faith, had his own response: “Jesus, do not listen to all that she says, but let only Your will be done.”

In Macau 2013

Matthew’s legacy is one of perseverance, intellect, and resilience. He is deeply mourned by his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and an example of a life lived with extraordinary dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Rest in peace, our dearly beloved Unni (Matthew). Your light will continue to inspire us.

Lamentations 3:22–23

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”.

Disney Land, Hong Kong