Monsignor Vincent Puma
Monsignor Vincent Puma, founder of Eva’s Village in Paterson, New Jersey, is depicted in this monumental portrait bronze that welcomes all the poor and needy in Paterson and North Jersey.
A Tribute to the founder of Eva's Village
in Paterson, New Jersey
in Paterson, New Jersey
Monsignor Vincent Puma was the founder of Eva’s Village in Paterson, New Jersey, one of the most effective NJ non-profit organizations offering meals, recovery, and assistance to their most vulnerable neighbors experiencing hunger, homelessness, and substance use disorders.
Tom was contacted by John Crimi, who saw Tom’s “Welcome the Children” at St. Michael’s Parish in Clinton, NJ. Mr. Crimi wanted to honor his best friend, Reverend Monsignor Puma (1926-2012), who had served as a community leader and public servant dedicated to bringing dignity to the hungry, homeless and addicted in Paterson and North Jersey.
In 1982, Msgr. Puma founded Eva’s Kitchen followed by the sheltering, substance abuse treatment, and medical programs that fulfilled his vision of an entire village dedicated to helping people find a way out of poverty.
Tom was honored to capture both the stature and the spirit of Monsignor Puma with his warm smile and compassionate heart. A giant of a man standing 6’4″ with a heart to match, “Monsignor Vicent Puma” is depicted as he was each day, hands outstretched and welcoming everyone into the kitchen at Eva’s Village. The sculpture is installed in the courtyard welcoming all the poor and needy through its doors. …Tom & Marcey White
A graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School, South Orange, NJ and St. Charles College, Catonsville, MD, Monsignor Vincent Puma attended St. Mary’s Seminary and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Baltimore, MD. He obtained a Master’s degree from Drew University, Madison, NJ, and was a licensed therapist with an Ed.S. from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Msgr. Puma was named Papal Chamberlain in 1963 (Monsignor) and Prelate of Honor in 1980 (Right Reverend Monsignor).
He was honored by St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ as Man of the Year in 1992. He received the 1987 Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service and the Paterson Humanitarian Award in 1970. In October 1995 the Hispanic Community of the Diocese of Paterson awarded him the Pioneer for the Hispanic Ministry Award. Also in October 1995 he received the Community Service Award from The Bergen Record.
In 2009, Eva’s Village bestowed a lifetime Achievement Award to Msgr. Puma. In 2012, Msgr. Puma was able to enjoy the 30th anniversary of Eva’s Village, where his many friends were able to honor and thank him once more. His vision still guides all those helping people in need at Eva’s Village.
