Zhouzhi (Fides Service) - On September 4 Bishop Alfonso Yang Guangyan of Zhouzhi in Shaanxi Province, (mainland China), died at the age of 76 comforted by the Sacraments. The Bishop was born on 9 September 1928 and ordained a priest on 24 July 1955. Parish priest in Zhouzhi for many years he was appointed Bishop of Zhouzhi and ordained on 17 December 1995. For some time recently he suffered from an incurable disease. Zhouzhi diocese has an area of 7.396 sq km, and it is the largest in Shaanxi. There are 150 churches and 60,000 Catholics looked after by about 50 priests about 300 women religious of 3 different congregations, and there are 20 seminarians. Despite many difficulties Bishop Yang remained loyal to the Holy See. He was a meek and humble man deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under his guidance the diocese developed considerably. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/9/2004 - Righe 11; Parole 156)