An estimated 10,000 young people gathered in Quezon City for an overnight vigil at the weekend to show they were all of "one heart and mind" with Pope Benedict XVI and everyone in Madrid for World Youth Day celebrations.

The highlights of the vigil which ended yesterday morning were dance presentations, the enthronement of the Cross and recitation of prayers.

Monsignor Vicente Bauzon, head of the campus ministry of Manila Archdiocese, said they decided to hold the youth vigil for those who couldn’t to join the actual celebration in Madrid "to connect with God and all the young people who have the same aspirations and dreams."

"We are delighted so many young people attended this event. We did not expect it to be this big," he said.