About the Book

Ten-year-old Carl Demma had a dream so big, it took over his life. Through ill health, financial difficulties, the deaths of his two daughters, and indifference of many who should have been his support, his faith never failed.

It took his entire life, but Carl finally accomplished his dream - a monumental statue of the Blessed Mother that would have the unique ability to travel to the people to remind them of their faith and of her love for them. In addition to its tremendous size, it had such a beauty that it drew thousands of people, not only from around the U.S. but well beyond.

This is the amazing story of Carl Demma, a simple "everyman," whose faith has touched the lives of thousands, and changed the lives of many.

Reviews

Our Lady of the New Millennium – One Man’s Dream

Review by Mary Sue Eck
Published in Medjugorje Magazine
September, 2009

Fran Demma came up to our table at St. Rita’s High School where we were selling subscriptions to the magazine. "Fran, is the book out yet?" I asked. "Oh, Mary Sue, I’ll send you one right away." I felt happy to receive the publication we’ve waited for so long, but sad that it had missed being in this magazine. Monica had told us the pages were full for this issue. The book came within two days and I read almost all of it in one sitting, unable to put it down, even under the pressure of last minute changes to the magazine. Then Monica called today (August 24th) saying she had miscalculated and we had two pages left which have to be filled tonight. Our Lady of the New Millennium wanted to be in this issue, that’s for sure.

Many of you read the story we wrote of nine-year-old Carl Demma's dream for a giant statue of Mary, which he pursued all his life until it came true. It was a good story to tell but it was shortened for the magazine. I was in awe of this man's drive and determination and very sorry that Larry and I never had the opportunity to meet him before his death. His wife, Fran, told us the story but kept it brief for the magazine.

This book brings Carl Demma and his dream to life. It staggers the imagination. The man simply wouldn't give up, no matter what the obstacles, and they were so numerous that any sane man would have given up. Carl wasn't "sane" like the rest of us. He was spiritually "insane" for his beloved Mother Mary. He even married a woman almost as spiritually "insane" as he was. He no doubt planned all along that his dream could continue without him, through her. And it has.

In this book you not only hear the story but you see the fruits of this statue's journey through the parishes of Chicagoland and beyond. Some of what people experienced made me cry, again and again, as I read. The bottom line is that God had a plan, he chose Carl to fulfill it, and then sent Our Lady to give him the strength to continue when over and over it seemed impossible. Reading this book will help many people overcome discouragement and continue on, as they say, with courage.

The pictures are breathtaking. They'll make you want to come and see Our Lady, no matter what the distance. We are so blessed to have had her at our own Holy Trinity Parish in Westmont. It caused the most wonderful traffic jams you can imagine. The parish is just south of train tracks. When the commuter and freight trains held back the traffic in long lines, people simply stared at this huge Mother in disbelief. When the gates went up, many of the cars wouldn't move on.

Author Gail Jardine's dream was to write this book. She spent hours interviewing people and even traveled to Delaware to interview the sculptor, Charles Parks. She died in January, 2009, after completing her work. She never saw the finished product, the book itself, except from eternity.

One family wrote to Carl, "Thank you for bringing Mary into the New Millennium with such beauty, grace, and dignity." You will echo that thank you to Carl and Fran when you read this book.