It is almost completely silent in All Saints’ Church in Södertälje, despite tens of people sitting in the blue-green pews.
Schoolmates, parents and school staff have gathered to remember the two children who were found dead in a home earlier this week.
At the front of the church are lit candles in a row. Visitors have brought their own items, handwritten messages and flowers that they have placed among the candles. Sobbing, quiet chatter and sometimes a piece is played on the piano can be heard from the rows of benches.
– The idea is that everyone who wants to can come here, meet each other, light candles, write greetings or draw a drawing, says Minna Johansson, deacon in Östertälje parish.
Safe adults needed
At 5 p.m., an hour into the memorial service, around 100 people had already visited the church, according to Johansson. She says that it is now important that people are allowed to meet – and that the children have many safe adults around them.
– It’s not just sadness, it’s great despair and you ask yourself why something like this can happen? And there is no answer to that question, says Johansson and continues:
– But you still have to get together and ask each other that question. Because something truly incredible has happened. And you want to try to understand even if you can’t.
The children ask a lot
Katarina Montenius, principal at the school where the two children attended, says that no one understands what has happened – and that there are many questions.
– The children have many questions. Very direct, concrete questions. Asks a lot and asks often. Repeats her questions and needs support in getting answers, she says and adds that she is proud of the crisis work that has been accomplished in collaboration with Södertälje municipality – even if you are never prepared for an event like this.
The evening’s memorial service means a lot, according to Montenius.
– It is important that we show that we are together in this. That we help each other. And that you can show that you are sorry.
A relative is arrested on suspicion of murdering the two children.