REPORTAGE
Celebrated on August 15, the Assumption is a very important date for Catholics. Believers commemorate the elevation of the Virgin Mary. Traditionally, 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims from all over the world converge on Lourdes for the occasion. But with the coronavirus and the limitation of gatherings to 5,000 people, the Marian City is preparing to experience a day of unprecedented celebrations. Sanctuary, access to the basilica: everything has been redesigned to best accommodate the faithful while respecting sanitary rules.
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The rehabilitated places
"These are sensors, and any mass that passes is counted on entry or exit," explains Sébastien Maysounave, responsible for the security of the Sanctuary. The number of people on the site is displayed in real time on their phone so as to never exceed the threshold of 5,000 faithful.
The calendar of celebrations has been adapted. And in the basilica which can accommodate up to 25,000 people, new ornaments have appeared. "5,000 markings were made, 1,600 points materialized on the benches," he explains. "These are placement diagrams with volunteers who will guide people and then remind during the celebrations with simple pictograms the wearing of the compulsory mask and the distance of one meter."
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"A loss of 8 million euros"
In Lourdes, if a few tourists and faithful have made the trip, those who will be scarce this year are the pilgrims. They are only 450 registered for the national pilgrimage, against nearly 10,000 usually. "We expect that at the end of the season, we will have a loss of 8 million euros," says the rector, Bishop Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. "We rely on the offerings of the faithful and the pilgrims, so our finances are in a difficult situation."
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More broadly, the entire economy of the city is affected, with losses of over 80% for businesses and hotels. Visiting at the beginning of the week, Bruno Le Maire, has already promised a first section of specific aid to traders.