As the world watches the continuing war in Ukraine, Bishop Donald Hying of the Diocese of Madison announced he will join Pope Francis in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday. 

"All of us have felt frustrated, powerless and sad, very sad, because of the situation in Ukraine as we see millions of people forced to flee from their homes, thousands of people killed and wounded, all because of evil and egotism," Hying said in a recent video posted on Facebook. "Pope Francis is going to consecrate both Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this coming Friday, March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, at 5 p.m. in Rome. He has asked all the bishops of the world to do this in tandem with him."

As the pope invited bishops, Hying is inviting everyone in the diocese to join a special Mass at 11 a.m. local time Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Monona. 

"Join with me as we join the Holy Father in consecrating Russia and Ukraine and praying for peace," Hying said in the video.

Pope Francis recently used Twitter to announce that he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a ceremony on Friday. 

When he announced his plans, the pope invited bishops the world over to join him in the consecration ceremony, a release from Vatican News said. He will perform the consecration beginning at 5 p.m. Vatican time at St. Peter's Basilica.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 and has launched a variety of military attacks from multiple fronts, a recent CNBC.com report said. 

As the conflict drags on, Pope Francis selected Friday as the day to conduct the ceremony because that day marks the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. 

The consecration ceremony is linked to when Mary asked for Russia to be consecrated to Her Immaculate Heart when she appeared in Fatima in 1917, during World War I, a Vatican News report said. She warned that if it was not done, "Russia would spread 'its errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecution of the Church.'" 

Russia has since been consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary several times, including in 1952 and 1964.