YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, The Most Rev. David Bonnar has joined Pope Francis in calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on Ash Wednesday in light of the war in Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

"In the spirit of our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, especially at this tragic time, I invite all to pray for the people of Ukraine and to donate to Ash Wednesday and in the coming days to provide humanitarian and spiritual assistance to the people of Ukraine and the region, through the U.S. Bishops' Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe," Bishop Bonnar said.

Catholics can donate at their parishes during Ash Wednesday, as well as the coming weekend. If you can't make it in person, you can also donate online or by mailing a check to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown (144, West Wood St. Youngstown).

Pope Francis announced the Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer and Fasting on Feb. 27 stating that Ash Wednesday would be "a day to be close to the sufferings of the Ukrainian people, to feel that we are all brothers and sisters and to implore God to end the war."

Bishop Bonnar invited Catholics to lift up "their own sufferings and pains, sorrows and sadness" in prayer as "a sacrifice for the people of Ukraine."

In the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop Bonnar also invited parishioners to use particular liturgical prayers at weekend masses on February 26 and 27 and that all Catholics, as well as the wider public, observe the Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace.