Three thousand Catholic families in Ecuador will open their homes to missionaries from around the world who will be traveling to the country to participate in the Third American Missionary Congress (CAM3), which will be held in Quito August 12-17.

Sister Alba Luz Espinoza of the CAM3 welcoming committee, said the gesture “confirms the Catholic spirit of solidarity” of Ecuadorians.  Host families will receive a pamphlet explaining how to prepare for the event, which includes a prayer composed by Pope Benedict XVI for CAM3 and reflections on missionary work in today’s world. 

Organizers said the families will participate in three formation sessions to prepare them to host their guests and be given a symbolic candle that will serve as a focal point of prayer for the event.