A local school responded to Pope Francis' call for all Catholics to unite in prayer Friday afternoon.

Iona Preparatory Lower School students gathered in solidarity to pray for the people of Ukraine.

Father Justin Cinnante led the service and was accompanied by a student of Ukrainian heritage to share the importance of faith in a time of need.

It was all done in hopes their prayers are heard and reach overseas for peace.

"To get this kind of support from the school community, it really means a lot to me," said student Dimitri Hrabovskyy.

Dimitri is a senior at Iona Prep. As part of his senior project, he began to raise funds to help transport goods that were being shipped to Ukraine.

Those who would like to contribute can click here