大象传媒

Jean Vanier changed Richard and Hazel鈥檚 lives. He founded the L鈥橝rche movement 鈥� a global network inspired by Christian teaching 鈥� where people with and without learning disabilities live together in community. During his life, Vanier was hailed as 鈥渁 living saint鈥� and 鈥渁 prophet鈥�. But shortly after his death, a deep and disturbing secret emerged 鈥� that Vanier founded L鈥橝rche to hide a mystical sex sect, coercing and abusing at least 25 women, all without disabilities.

Richard and Hazel were stunned when they discovered the truth. Now they and 150 L鈥橝rche communities are coming to terms with what has happened. Through L鈥橝rche, Richard has travelled the world, becoming a spokesperson for people with learning disabilities. Hazel started off as an assistant but has risen through the ranks of the faith based movement. As they deal with the pain of betrayal, their faith is challenged and they question everything. Through their friendship, we look at how ordinary L鈥橝rche members are trying to heal and rebuild their communities.

Presenter/producer: Catherine Murray
Production Co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno
Editor: Helen Grady

(Photo: Jean Vanier, pictured in 2002. Credit: Bernard Weil/Toronto Star/Getty Images)