Episode 6
The Chosen One – A Story of Family and Faith
From age 11 to 20, Garion was groomed and sexually abused by his second cousin—Father Sanford Mann, a Catholic parish priest and trusted family figure. What began with “accidental” touches during holiday visits escalated into years of manipulation, secrecy, and escalating abuse, all masked as mentorship and “education.” His family revered the priest; his school, church, and community saw him as untouchable. Meanwhile, Garion lived in fear, believing the lies that kept him silent: No one would understand. It’s our secret. I’m helping you. Years later, he learned he wasn’t the only victim—Father Mann had abused another boy decades earlier, and the Church responded with a transfer, not justice. When Garion finally disclosed the abuse to his wife in 2012, it began a long path to healing. Even his father revealed he’d been targeted too—but stayed silent out of shame. In a landmark civil case, Garion fought the Church’s attempt to blame his aunt for “failing to supervise”—and won, refusing to let them shift responsibility. His story is a searing indictment of institutional hypocrisy and a tribute to the power of being believed. His message to fellow survivors: You are not alone. And your voice matters.
Narrator: Andrew Denton
Andrew Denton - WRITER | BROADCASTER | COMEDIAN
Andrew Denton is an Australian television producer, comedian, Gold Logie-nominated television presenter and former radio host, and was the host of the ABC's weekly television interview program Enough Rope and the ABC game show Randling. He is known for his comedy and interviewing technique. He is also responsible for introducing the troupe of The Chaser to Australian audiences.
Andrew has worked in every medium except crayon. He counts Rupert Murdoch, Paul Keating and Germaine Greer amongst his favourite detractors.