The Catholic Church canonised Blessed Mother Teresa as a Saint on Sunday, Sept 4, 2016.

A perfect saint for the year of Mercy. Her accelerated process to sainthood was not surprising, as she was already considered a living saint when alive.

Saint Teresa epitomised love, mercy and humility through her works of charity among the destitute and dying in the slums of Kolkata (Calcutta, as it was known then). She allowed them to die in dignity before returning the dead to their respective religious leaders.

She left the comforts of Albania and arrived in India, a strange new country to her, with only five rupees and a big heart.

In the face of poverty this simple woman saw Jesus in her fellow human beings. This motivated her to do what she did, which most people would find despicable.

The legacy Saint Teresa left behind was the Sisters of Charity, with more than 600 shelters worldwide.

These are not perfect in any way, as the nuns are human and not professional accountants or administrators. Overall, the good they do outweigh the hiccups.

It is despicable and destructive, therefore, for anyone to infiltrate these homes under false pretences, with the intention to spy and discredit the good work done.

In our midst we also have local columnists who are biased and critical of what Saint Teresa stands for. One writer exploits this platform to criticise Catholic beliefs and practices regarding sainthood, while she expounds her atheist beliefs.

Saint Teresa did not seek honour and glory for herself. Instead, honour and glory found her through the small things she did in a big way.

So, who are we to judge whether Mother Teresa should be made a Saint or not, unless one is willing to pick up her cross and walk in Mother Teresa’s footsteps.

A challenge indeed to all Mother’s critics who feel they have the power of the pen!