Grace, Letters of

Grace, Letters Of,

gratiae, gratiosa rescripta, is the name given to particular rescripts, by which the pope sometimes grants especial privileges, indulgences, exemptions, etc. to all who have participated in extraordinary processions; when a prebend or the reversion of an office is the reward, then the letter of grace constitutes a gratia exspectativa SEE EXPECTANTLE. For the canon law on the subject, see Wetzer u. Welte Kirchen-Lex.