Vincentian Spirituality: A Spirituality Of the Poor? A Spirituality Of Justice?

In 1625 Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission and in 1633 he co-founded the Daughters of Charity along with Louise de Marillac. His primary heritage to both these apostolic groups, along with many other individuals and groups such as the Ladies of Charity, the St. Vincent de Paul Society (founded by Frederick Ozanam), the Sisters of Charity (founded by Elizabeth Seton) is a spirituality based on evangelizing the poor, on discovering and serving Jesus Christ in the poor, and in being saved as Christian through one’s relation with the poor. Many claim it a truly apostolic spirituality of Charity, for it continues to challenge thousands to a special identification with the poor in their search to be identified with Jesus Christ as “evangelizer of the poor.” But how does it relate to questions of justice? Does it help one to effectively address the root causes of poverty?