"I have seen things that I thought I would never see, tombs and places in the cathedral that I just had no idea were there," Kevin Burke, 18, a parishioner at St. Mary's of the Assumption in Dedham and a freshman at Framingham State University said.

He said he saw the crypt were three past cardinals are buried, explored a room with religious artifacts from various popes and cardinals, and learned the significance of the three cardinals' hats that hang suspended from the ceiling over the altar of the cathedral.

Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley celebrated Mass for the participants before the adoration and procession through the streets of the North End.

"It is wonderful to see all of you here for the Eucharistic Congress. It is such a moment of grace for the whole Church. We are grateful all of those who gave their time to organize this congress," the cardinal said.

The highlight of the Eucharistic Congress came in the last event of the evening. After a half hour of adoration, the laity, faithful, and religious proceeded into the streets to proclaim the faith publicly.

With the seminarians of the archdiocese in the front, followed by the consecrated and religious, the cardinal and vested priests, and the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Those who filled the pews at Sacred Heart Church joined the procession, carrying votive candles.

The vigil made its way to Sacred Heart Church in North Square, stopping for public adoration near the Paul Revere House, before proceeding north to St. Leonard of Port Maurice Church on the corner of Hanover and Prince Streets where the procession ended with prayer and thanks from the cardinal and Father Matt Williams.

The cardinal called on the assembly to pray for vocations, in honor of Good Shepherd Sunday, which was being celebrated that weekend.

Father Williams thanked the priests, the pastors of each church, and the cardinal. He also called for applause for the priests who participated.

"Can we ask our priests to please stand? Where are our priests? They are in the back. Can we get a round of applause for our priests?" he asked.

The crowd responded with applause, before the cardinal closed the evening with a blessing.