Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
 The parks saw a record number of 315,000 visitors this last Memorial Day weekend. ARLINGTON, VA (Catholic Online) - Over the May 25-28 holiday weekend, the parks saw a record number of 315,000 visitors. When compared with last year's Memorial Day, the parks saw a 16% increase. Lake Anna State Park and Shenandoah River State Park had to restrict access due to running out of parking spaces. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation stated that the holiday success is part of a "trend" this year. Through May 31, attendance in state parks totaled a number of 2.6 million, a 13.7% increase from last year. Park officials say more people are looking for closer-to-home, affordable vacations, something the parks accomplish with ease. © 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM. - - - Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013 General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him. Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance. |
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