Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao has asked the faithful in his diocese to heed the call of Pope Francis for a day of fasting for peace.

This amid the escalating tension between Russia and Ukraine.

"Let us heed the invitation of Pope Francis to make March 2, 2022, Ash Wednesday, a day of intense fasting and prayer for peace," Mangalinao said in a message.

The Saint Joseph Husband of Mary Parish in Nueva Vizcaya posted the message in their Facebook page Thursday, Feb. 24.

"Let us invite our families, friends, communities, and parishioners to offer prayers on Ash Wednesday for peace and the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine," Mangalinao said.

"Let us also ask the intercession of our Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace to preserve our world from the madness of violence and war," he added.

On the same day, the Archdiocese of Manila also offered prayers for Ukraine.

"We pray for Ukraine and its people. May the Lord guide and protect them against war. May the Blessed Mother keep them safe under the mantle of her protection. Amen," it said in a Facebook post.