Norman Francis McFarland

Norman Francis McFarland (February 21, 1922 – April 16, 2010) was an American Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Orange from 1987 until 1998.

McFarland's reputation as Bishop of Orange has been tainted by documentation proving that he covered up allegations of sexual abuse against minors in the diocese.

He continued his education at Saint Patrick Major Seminary in Menlo Park, California, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1943.He then remained there to study theology and sacred scriptures.

[3] At that time, the Diocese of Reno was in a dire financial crisis due to poor investments by the previous bishop.

[1][2] Along with his time in Reno and Las Vegas, McFarland made many trips to Catholic communities throughout the large state.

[5] McFarland in February 1998 underwent successful surgery at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California, to repair an aortic aneurysm in his abdomen.

[2] Prior to his 76th birthday in 1998, McFarland submitted his resignation as bishop of Orange, which was accepted by John Paul II on June 30, 1998.

[7] In 2005, the Orange County Register reported that McFarland and other diocesan officials had covered up the sexual abuse of minors by Reverend John E. Ruhl and Thomas Hodgman, choir director at Mater Dei High School.