Fr. Finigan tells us:
The framework of the building was originally, a barn where the Catholic faithful gathered to attend secret Masses celebrated by priests operating under cover. Very soon, the location was identified and became unsafe but then a secret chapel was built in the loft area and the walls painted in fresco fashion. These faded and peeling images are still clearly visible today.
Of particular interest, however, is this relic. A portable altar from the 16th century which was used by priests to celebrate Mass upon, used during the period of Catholic recusancy.
See the Hermeneutic of Continuity for more details, and thanks to Fr. Finigan for bringing us details of this.
