During an event held this morning, the City Council of Almansa, represented by its mayor Pilar Callado, officially donated a valuable and ancient photograph of the Virgin of Bethlehem to the sanctuary, coinciding with the celebration of the Centenary of her Coronation. The presentation was made in the presence of the president of the Association of Our Lady of Bethlehem, Jesús García, and the municipal archivist, María José Sánchez, accompanied by members of the Association’s board.
The image, a photograph from the late 19th or early 20th century, was donated to the City Council in 2018 by José Megías Plá and has been under the custody of the Municipal Archive since then. The piece, of large size (1.20 x 0.87 meters including the original frame), belonged to the donor’s mother, who kept it hanging above her bed for years. The artwork was originally a gift from the Little Sisters of the Poor in gratitude for a donation made to the nursing home by the Megías family.
During her speech, Pilar Callado emphasized the historical and artistic value of the piece, as well as its importance to the community. «It is an honor as mayor and as an art historian to make this donation in such a significant year for Almansa,» she stated. The mayor also highlighted the research work of the municipal archivist, who has found possible references to this work in council minutes from 1884, opening up new avenues for its precise dating.
Jesús García, president of the Association, deeply appreciated the gesture of the City Council, noting that «this is not just any donation, but an invaluable piece that can now be admired by all residents of Almansa and visitors.» García announced that the image will be displayed in a prominent location in the sanctuary, specifically in the old sacristy, facing the space dedicated to the Vitorero, to ensure its visibility.
The event also served to remember the contribution of the donor, José Megías Plá, who besides this piece has donated other significant items to the municipality, such as a Roman tombstone and historical documents. Although he could not attend in person, his generosity was publicly acknowledged by all present.
The photograph, distinguished by its hand-painted background and floral decorations made of fabric — an old local tradition — will be publicly displayed for the first time this Sunday during the pilgrimage.
This act of donation continues the priority of conserving and publicly exhibiting heritage, as was done with the transfer of the Christ of the Battle from the mayor’s office to the museum. «Heritage should be where it can be enjoyed by the public,» Callado concluded.