(Latin: in, not; regula, rule; not according to rule)
An impediment introduced by ecclesiastical law preventing one from entering the clerical state, or from the exercise of any orders already received. The Church intends irregularities primarily as a safeguard to the dignity of her ministry, though sometimes they may appear to share the juridical nature of a penalty. Irregularity may rise either ex defectu (from defect) in the subject, as illegitimacy, bigamy, bodily defect; or ex delicto (from crime), as apostasy, heresy, homicide, attempted suicide. The new Code of Canon Law limits once for all the number and kind of irregularities as pertaining to the common law of the Church.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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