With respect to these and in relation to every other Catholic institution, it follows the same utilitarian principle, the fundamental maxim of laic and practical good sense: when religious vocations make their appearance and serve the public, it welcomes and makes use of them; it grants them facilities, dispensations and favors, its protection, its donations, or at least its tolerance.

Not only does it turn their zeal to account, but it authorizes their association.[31103] Numerous societies of men or of women again spring up with the assent of the public authorities--the "Ignorantins," the "Filles de la Charite," the "Seurs Hospitalieres," the "Saeurs de Saint-Thomas," the "Saeurs de Saint-Charles," the "Saeurs Vatelottes." The Council of State accepts and approves of their statutes, vows, hierarchy, and internal regulations.

They again become proprietors; they may accept donations and legacies.

The State frequently makes presents to them.

In 1808,[31104] thirty-one communities of Sisters of Charity, and mostly educational, thus obtain the buildings and furniture they ask for, in full possession and gratuitously.