Philippines: Bishop ‘Warlit’ Cajandig Raised a Vicariate Built on Faith, Not Stone

On October 29, the Catholic faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan gathered to bid a tearful farewell to their beloved shepherd of 33 years, Bishop Warlito “Warlit” Cajandig, laid to rest at Sto. Niño Cathedral.

Bishop Cajandig was often remembered as a man who “lived simply, spoke simply, and related to people simply.” During the eulogies, fellow bishops, priests, and pastoral workers recalled how he chose to live not in the Bishop’s residence, but in a small cottage beside the parking area, sleeping on a mat on the floor.

He opened the main residence to Mangyan friends and others in need of temporary shelter, and helped them start small livelihood projects such as poultry and piggery. Staff members shared that he wore old shirts, hole-patched pants, and slippers for daily work, changing only for liturgical functions or special guests. He preferred simple meals, often jokingly referred to as “food for cats,” small fish like dilis.

“In our 29 years at the residence, he never raised his voice,” said Rosenda Rosales, his longtime secretary. “He started our Wednesday Bible study and greeted everyone while praying the rosary.”

Another staff member, Joy Catud, recalled how the Bishop became a father to her during a difficult time, taking her and her children in and reminding her to “pray, because therein lies the solution.”

Before becoming bishop, he served in Calatrava, Romblon, where his parish survived on a few pesos a day. To support his people, he turned to farming, helping sustain the parish through the leanest years.

“His ministry was not marked by prominence but by presence,” said Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz. “He leaves no monuments of stone, but monuments of faith, lives he touched and people who saw in him the face of Christ.”

A Ministry of Compassion

Beyond simplicity, Bishop Warlit was remembered for his deep compassion. Some described him as having a heart “full of mercy,” with a smile reminiscent of Mother Teresa. He often said, “Peace begins with a smile.”

Fr. Jimson Ruga, former social service director of the vicariate, recalled how the Bishop regularly reminded him: “They are human beings we must understand and love. In weakness, they need mercy, compassion, and someone who truly listens.”

A priest publicly testified how Bishop Warlit’s guidance led him to undergo rehabilitation for alcoholism. “Because of him, I chose to change. I’ve been sober for eight years now,” he said.

Bishop Cajandig was a staunch advocate for the Mangyan communities, promoting fairness, respect, and protection of their dignity. He established programs that strengthened indigenous education and development.

“He is one of those Mangyans consider a father,” said Ligaya Lintawagin, Director of the Tugdaan Center. “He helped sow knowledge in our community and often reminded us of his love by challenging us to grow.”

He also urged the protection of the environment, calling creation “our common home.” He often said, “You cannot love God if you destroy nature.”

Lintawagin recalled his constant reminder to care for ancestral lands, plant trees, and let the environment protect the community in return. “He sowed seeds of hope. We will nurture and treasure all he left with us,” she said.

During the final requiem Mass, Bishop Moises Cuevas used Bishop Warlit’s favorite exercise, describing a person through their name. “War” and lito (“little”) became “a war for the small ones” and “a small warrior”, reflecting his courage in defending the poor while living with deep humility.

Faith That Does Justice

For Bishop Cajandig, true service meant embracing those in poverty with kindness, mercy, and non-judgment. He traveled to the vicariate’s farthest communities to ensure the Eucharist reached those on the margins. He dreamed of every family becoming a domestic church.

Under his leadership, Basic Ecclesial Communities and Bible-sharing groups flourished. When he arrived, Mindoro had 20 parishes; today, it has 42. “He helped establish 22 parishes, mission areas, and chaplaincies,” said Fr. Nestor Adalia, who served as apostolic administrator during the Bishop’s illness.

“He believed the Word of God must reach every home, every heart,” added Fr. Ruga. “For him, the Church is not walls, but a community that loves and serves.”

His episcopal motto, Fiat Voluntas Tua (“Thy Will Be Done”), guided his life, faith translated into concrete action. He initiated the Provincial Care Forum, bringing together the Church, local government, and agencies to support families and communities. He helped build homes and shelters for the poor and survivors of natural disasters.

Former Calapan Mayor, now Congressman Arnan Panaligan, said Bishop Warlit’s cooperation with the government stemmed from a shared mission: service. “He donated Church land for housing projects and supported our alternative drug program focused on formation and rehabilitation.”

Bishop Moises recalled two teachings of the late Bishop:

• “Any project meant for development must truly respond to people’s needs for a full life.”

• “I hope this struggle, against mining and social injustice, is born of our faith.”

Thank You, Farewell

During the final rites, Bishop Moises delivered a homily that echoed through the cathedral and across online platforms. He called Bishop Warlit’s life both a reminder and an invitation.

“At a time of corruption and vested interests, he calls us to good governance, transparency, and the common good,” he said. “He fought with faith, simple, humble, generous. He defended the oppressed not for politics but for faith.”

He urged the faithful to “take on his war for the small ones” by caring for the environment, standing for truth, supporting the marginalized, and building honest governance. “You are deeply loved by Mindoro,” he said in closing.

Although his body now rests in stone, the Church he built was never about walls. It was about faith, service, and community. And in Sto. Niño Cathedral, among the people he loved, Bishop Warlit is home.