•As CMO honours him as Father of the Day
An Abia State based legal practitioner and philanthropist, Prince Barr Chinenyeze Chilaka, has explained why he recently donated Angelus Bell to St Anthony’s Catholic Church Umunama in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
Prince Barr Chilaka in a recent interview in his law Chamber in Aba told newsmen that the donation was in fulfillment of vow he made during the 2025 Father’s Day celebration where the members of the Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO) honoured him as the Father of the Day.
An elated Chilaka said he was singled out as the Father of the Day by the men of the Church, adding that the community of Umunama and the church have respect and love his father, Late Pa Igbokwuaria Chilaka.
When asked why he was chosen as Father of the Day, Prince Barr Chilaka said he does not know as it was the church that knows the parameters for doing so.
Going down memory lane, the Crown Prince of Chilaka Ikpo dynasty said they are born and brought up in the Roman Catholic Church but that sometime in the past, some persons tried to instigate disagreement between his family and the church, stating that God vindicated them while also exposing some of his family members who were used.
Continuing, he said twenty years ago, when his father went for a retirement thanksgiving at the church but his offering was rejected by the priest.
He further disclosed that it was quite disheartening and embarrassing for his father who had served and retired meritoriously, and had gone for his a retirement thanksgiving, to be so humiliated.
Prince Barr Chilaka further revealed that the priest that rejected his late father’s offering, later came and asked for forgiveness, saying that some persons from the Chilaka family, decieved him.
According to him, people were surprised that the family still came to donate in the church, adding that “we will continue to do that because to err is human and forgiveness is divine”.
He described the new parish priest, Rev Fr Chrisantus Onwumere as a healing balm, a reconciliatory quarter. One who lubricates an angle that is stiff in the community. He described the new parish priest as doing marvelously well.
It will be recalled that Prince Barr Chinenyeze Chilaka donated the Angelus Bell to St Anthony’s Catholic Church Parish Umunama and it was unveiled on 31st May, 2025.
