The President of the Catholic Media Network, Fr. Francis Lucas the Traslacion connects Filipinos’ faith, suffering and hope to the Lord Jesus Christ, a priest said Friday, as the image of the Jesus Nazareno and its devotees troop along Manila roads for the annual tradition.

He said the procession symbolizes that there remains hope for Filipinos despite suffering.

Millions of devotees will gather Friday for the Traslacion, a tradition wherein the image of Jesus Nazareno—along with its devotees—marches from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or the Quiapo Church, for almost a whole day.

Lucas explained that the “massive epidemic, which we call loneliness,” caused by people’s need for meaningful connectivity, draws Catholics closer to the image of Jesus Nazareno.

Through the “pahalik” activity, Catholics’ sense of connectivity grows larger with the image, as its foot is allowed to be touched and kissed by devotees, said Lucas.

This foot now appears in a different color due to the constant wiping of handkerchiefs over the years.

“Imagine, if you can totally devote yourself to a God, to Jesus Christ, you continue to connect with Christ, especially as humans, the touch is very important,” he explained.

“So, it’s connectivity, especially to a God whom you trust and whom you know will help you.”

While some are still waiting for their wishes to be granted, others have achieved their dreams and dedicated themselves to joining the annual procession.

“And they go barefooted. The lesson is humility. So, for the Filipinos, they are connected to a Christ suffering, and yet triumphant,” he said.

The priest stressed that devoting to Jesus Nazareno is not a form of idolatry but an act of worshipping God, contrary to the criticism Catholics usually receive.

He explained Jesus Nazareno is the Lord Jesus Christ himself who came from Nazareth, translated into an image to build greater connectivity with the people.

“If I go to the Black Nazarene, touch him, kiss his feet or whatever part of his body, touch or even just the dress that he wears, am I worshiping a non-God? No, because this is just an image of God,” he said.

Lucas reminded devotees who are attending the procession to remain respectful to God, His image, and their co-devotees.