Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish in Alice Springs opened its doors for an extended period of prayer following the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in the Central Australian town last month.

Parish Priest, Fr Prakash Menezes SVD, said that on the day the little girl’s body was found, the parish remained open for prayer and lighting of candles until 9pm, with a steady stream of people making their way to the church.

“While Little Baby and her family were not Catholic, we reached out and responded to this tragedy as fellow community members, showing our support and care for the family,” he said.

“We kept the church open so that people could come and light a candle and pray.

“It was so raw. People were looking for ways to respond, and some responded in prayer. We had about 50 to 70 people come in and many people were crying.”

Kumanjayi Little Baby went missing from her home in one of the town camps in Alice Springs on April 25 and her body was found on April 30.

Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder.

The tragedy, which attracted nationwide attention, led to a renewed focus on the conditions of the town camps and child safety in the Northern Territory.

It also led to rioting in the town as people expressed their anger about the alleged killing.

Amidst such heightened emotions, Fr Prakash said the parish community saw its role as being one of accompaniment.

“We opened our doors to everyone,” he said. “It was just a way of providing that comfort that people were seeking.

“The community is still mourning, still trying to come to grips with what happened and why it happened.

“Ongoing questions are being asked and it is a really sad event. We wanted to provide a space where people could try to come to grips with it in prayer, not in a reactive or violent way, but more in prayer and comfort.”

Fr Prakash said many people were touched by the faith-filled letter left by Kumanjayi Little Baby’s mother and brother following the discovery of her body. The letter was reported to have said:

“To Kumanjayi Little Baby,

“Me and Ramsiah miss and love you.

“I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus, and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“Me and your brother will meet you one day, we are giving our lives to Jesus.

“It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.

“Ramsiah wants to tell you that when he sees you in heaven he is going to give you the biggest hug ever.

“Love from Mum and Ramsiah.”

Fr Prakash said the Alice Springs Ministers’ Fraternal had offered its support as civil authorities sought to address some of the issues involved in the tragedy.

“We are all part of this community and everybody is affected by something like this,” he said.

“Our main response over these days and weeks is really one of accompaniment and care for a community which is mourning.”

IMAGE: Screenshot of the prayer vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby held at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Alice Springs