Thursday, August 11, 2016

Enhanced security for the pilgrimage to Lourdes of the Assumption – The Point

In the face of the terrorist threat, the security device surrounding the pilgrimage of the Assumption has been strengthened. “We will not stop living. “The pilgrims began flocking Thursday at Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées).

The number of access to the field of 52 hectares has been reduced to three against and usually twelve security guards screen entries, opening quickly the bags of visitors and throwing bottles in bins nearby.

on the esplanade near the Massabielle grotto, where, according to Catholic tradition, Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in 1858 , armed police and military operation of the Sentinel patrol near places of worship.

the interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, had to go on site Saturday morning to “inspect” the means up, like other large summer gatherings in France. After the attack of Nice, which has killed 85 people and the murder of Father Jacques Hamel during a Mass in Saint-Étienne-de-Rouvray, local authorities have set up a security device for enhanced 143rd pilgrimage of the Assumption. At its peak on August 15, some 25 000 people, of various nationalities, are expected

Reinforcements police -. Deminers, dog team, information -, mobile and military, pedestrianization of surrounding streets, ban overflight by drones were arrested to frame this religious holiday.

“it’s a little impressive, but if that can reassure everyone is good,” said Françoise, 58 , hospital (volunteer assistant sick pilgrim). “We will not stop living,” ruled Christian, 66. “It happens in Paris, where there are in the world, but also where there is none,” simply adds one who said he “prayed” after the attack of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, ‘C’ is our only weapon is used. “

” It’s important to show that life goes on, it’s not because some fanatics try to sow fear we must give up our faith, our beliefs, our way of life “abounds Matthieu Guignard, 40, head of child pilgrimage.

an” enrollment surge “

Daniele, 78, a veteran of the Sanctuaries, coming of Loire- Atlantic, remembers having lived a false bomb threat with the evacuation of all pilgrims August 15, 2010, a precedent that reassures. She did “not for a moment” thought cancel his pilgrimage, “on the contrary”: “It’s a way as any to not let go. “

Thursday, organizing teams, volunteers and first pilgrims settled in the premises of the shrine and the nearby hotels. The celebrations were to begin Friday with a procession of openness, whose path has been changed for security reasons, then continue until August 16, with conferences, vigils and prayers on the theme of “mercy”.

More than 6000 people have registered this year in the national pilgrimage, plus dozens of other independent pilgrimages, a decrease of about 1 500 people compared to 2015 due to the coincidence of world Days youth (WYD) in Poland, organizers said.

the July bombings were “paradoxically” resulted in a “burst” of registrations, according to father Fabien Lejeusne, director of national pilgrimage.

LikeTweet

No comments:

Post a Comment