The new bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Mich., is asking for prayer for peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine and for humanitarian assistance in keeping with encouragement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Most Rev. Jeffrey Walsh, bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, said that prayers are needed for peace and for swift aid to people suffering in Ukraine, a recent Facebook post said.

"In support of the people of Ukraine, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has encouraged that all dioceses join in this collective prayer and in providing critical assistance," Walsh said in the post. "I have asked all parishes in the Diocese of Gaylord take up a special collection this coming weekend, March 12-13, 2022, to provide this urgent aid to the people of Ukraine. This special collection joins us with our brothers and sisters around the United States in providing immediate help to the Ukrainian people who are facing unthinkable danger, insecurity and displacement."

Ukrainians are fleeing their country to escape the war with Russia, which invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Reuters quoted the United Nations as saying.

"More than 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine, U.N. agencies said on Friday (March 11), and a further 2 million have been driven from their homes within the country since the start of a Russian invasion on Feb. 24," the Reuters report said. "The United Nations has been planning its humanitarian needs on the assumption that some 4 million Ukrainian refugees would seek safety abroad. However, with around 200,000 people having fled to neighboring countries over the past 24 hours, a U.N. refugee official said they may have to revise that figure higher."

Walsh, who was ordained and installed as the sixth bishop of Gaylord on March 4, thanked parishioners for supporting the special collection and for the ongoing prayers.

"I echo Bishop (Walter) Hurley's encouragement that we pray together with shared intention: Heavenly Father, We pray for the people of Ukraine and all those who are threatened by war, that by the grace of Christ the King, all nations may pursue more perfect justice which ensures a true and lasting peace. Amen. In Christ our Life," Walsh said in the Facebook post.

Pope Francis has called for collective prayer for peace and humanitarian aid in Ukraine, a recent Twitter post said. 

Parishioners may donate to the special parish collection or online at dioceseofgaylord.org under the designation "Special Collection for Ukraine."