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The pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Wye began this morning, helping to raise awareness of the plight of the river.The three-day pilgrimage began with a mass at St Mary's Church in Hay-on-Wye, before the statue was processed through the streets of the town to the river. The site has long been a popular local spot in Hay but has recently been deemed unfit for swimmingOur Lady of the Wye will arrive in Bredwardine Bridges later today for a service at Moccas Church before returning to the river tomorrow to travel to Hereford Cathedral where she will take centre spot in the Lady Chapel for Evensong.Increasing levels of pollution in the Wye have seen it officially downgraded to "unfavourable - declining" status, and local groups are now taking legal action to address the problem.Fr David Wyatt, vicar of St Mary's, said: "The idea of this pilgrimage came from Fr Richard Williams, who was parish priest here before myself. He walked the river every day with his dogs, as do I now.and we see every day the condition that this river is in, the fact that it is dirty and polluted, that wildlife is dying on it."The Church in Wales will be holding a Restoring Welsh Rivers Summit in November, a two-day event which will provide a forum for robust debate and seek to agree solutions for changing the way our waterways are managed in Wales.The summit will be hosted by Archbishop of Wales Andrew John, who said: "The pilgrimage of Our Lady down the River Wye serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of maintaining the health of this cherished waterway. The Wye is more than just a river; it is a lifeline for our communities, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a symbol of the natural beauty that enriches our spiritual and physical well-being."The alarming news that the local swimming spot in Hay is now unfit for swimming underscores the urgent need to address the pollution and environmental damage threatening the river. Your efforts to raise awareness is crucial, and I as Archbishop of Wales am supportive of your commitment. I also recognise the crucial support of Leigh Day, the law firm that is exploring legal avenues to protect the Wye and hold those responsible accountable."Healthy rivers like the Wye are essential not only for recreation and spiritual practices but also for sustaining ecosystems, supporting local economies, and providing clean water for all. The degradation of the Wye is a matter of deep concern, and we must act swiftly and decisively to reverse the damage. Together, we can restore the Wye to its former glory, ensuring it remains a vibrant and life-giving presence in our community for generations to come."