Lourdes, France, Aug 16, 2016 / 10:15 am
The popular pilgrimage site at Lourdes, France beefed up its security Monday for the Solemnity of the Assumption.
About 500 security force members were present, along with patrol dogs, according to the BBC, which reported that around 25,000 pilgrims visited Lourdes for the Marian feast day.
Dogmatically defined in 1950, the Assumption celebrates Mary, the mother of Jesus, being assumed into heaven, body and soul, when her earthly life was complete. It is celebrated on August 15 each year.
The increased security came amid heightened vigilance after a string of terrorist attacks in France.