Since Canon Law is part of the tradition of the Church the current law must be interpreted in light of the previous law of the Catholic Church. And thus this work will prove useful to those wishing to understanding the evolution of the law of the Church and to study its history. This Pocket Manual of Canon Law is a digest of the entire 1917 Code of Canon Law. It contains all that the average priest should know, more than our Sisterhoods need to know, and much that will interest the laity on the laws of the Church. On most subjects the points of the law are scattered through the Code. By gathering these points under their respective heads and arranging them in alphabetical order, with reference to canon, paragraph, and number in the Code, this manual aims to be a clear, intelligent counsellor in the ordinary affairs of Catholic life, and a ready index to the Code for questions that require a knowledge of the niceties of ecclesiastical law.

Preface: This Pocket Manual of Canon Law is a digest of the entire Code. It contains all that the average priest should know, more than our Sisterhoods need to know, and much that will interest the laity on the laws of the Church. On most subjects the points of the law are scattered through the Code. By gathering these points under their respective heads and arranging them in alphabetical order, with reference to canon, paragraph, and number in the Code, this manual aims to be a clear, intelligent counsellor in the ordinary affairs of Catholic life, and a ready index to the Code for questions that require a knowledge of the niceties of ecclesiastical law. This is a crucial book for any layman or future seminarian wanting to dive into the more deeper parts of canon law. The definitions are not overwhelming hard to understand. That are written simple and to the point. On the more important definitions, such as baptism and marriage, are more detailed because they are the foundations of the Catholic faith. The dictionary of Canon law was written by Rev. P. Trudel S.S. This book was written in the late 1910's. It has 606 definitions ranging from abbot to jurisdiction to vows. Here are typical definitions. Abstinence. The law of abstinence forbids the eating of flesh meat and of broth made from meat (1250). It binds all who have completed their seventh year (1254). It is to be observed on all Fridays of the year, on Wednesdays and Saturdays of Lent, and on the Vigils of Pentecost, Assumption, All Saints, and Christmas (1252, 1, 2). If one of these vigils falls on Sunday, or if a holy-day falls on Friday, the law of abstinence ceases. It also ceases at noon on Holy Saturday (1252, 4). Jurisdiction for Confessions. Besides the power of orders jurisdiction is necessary to give absolution (872). The Pope and the Cardinals have this jurisdiction for the whole Church, the Ordinaries in their dioceses, and the pastors, and those who take their place, in the parish (873). Delegated jurisdiction is given to priests by the Ordinary (874). This delegation must be expressed in words or given in writing (879). It may be limited (878, 1). To hear the confession of religious women and novices validly and licitly in their homes special delegation by the Ordinary is required (876). When once granted it should not be recalled excepting for grave reason (880). All priests have faculties to absolve persons in danger of death (882). Every priest approved by his Ordinary, or by the Ordinary of the place of embarkation, or of any Ordinary along the voyage, is approved to hear confessions on the boat, while making a voyage, or at any port his boat enters (883). A priest who would dare to hear confessions without jurisdiction would thereby incur suspension, and one who with jurisdiction would dare to absolve from reserved sins would thereby be suspended from hearing confessions (2366). Confession, Sacramental. Sacramental confession is necessary for mortal sins committed since the reception of baptism that have not yet been forgiven in a good confession (901). Mortal sins that have been forgiven and venial sins may be confessed (902). Religious and seminarians should go to confession at least once a week (595, 1, 3; 1367, 2). To gain the indulgence of some feast the prescribed confession may be made eight days preceding the feast. (931, 1). Anyone in mortal Sill must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion (856), celebrating Mass (807), or being married (1033). The confession must be made to a duly authorized priest (of any rite) (905), but in danger of death it may be validly and licitly made to a priest not approved, even when a duly authorized priest is present (882). Novices and seminarians should not confess to their master, socius or rector (891, 1383). Confession may be made through an interpreter (903).