mid-day editorial: Hold the doubts and pay respect where it's due

As millions here watched Mother Teresa become Saint Teresa in an moving and memorable ceremony at the Vatican, her detractors too seemed to have gained traction, especially on social media.

Since the past few days, as the canonisation drew near, her critics were belting out opinions thick and fast. From pieces about her so-called questionable methods of treating the sick to the age-old accusation that she only treated the poor because she could convert them, allegations were flying thick and fast. The hashtag fraudteresa was trending on Twitter.

When such a world event takes place there are bound to be detractors and differences of opinion. In fact, debate is healthy and essential. It presents different perspectives. And, when an event of such mammoth proportions takes place, it is also inevitable that social media will weigh in, given its place in the world we live in.

Yet, having said all that, we think this was a time to look at the bigger picture. Sweeping criticism and trenchant proclamations, many or almost all from people who have very little idea about St Teresa's life and work, were unwarranted. To simply join the critics bandwagon because it is fashionable to do so was unfair and infantile.

Yesterday was a day of introspection and pride too. A day to celebrate and venerate, instead of being so quick to denigrate.

Smears will always be there, questions and doubts remain, but just for a day, we could have put it all aside and given the glorious moment the respect it deserved.

As detractors sat in their armchairs and criticised St Teresa and questioned her canonisation, perhaps they should have stopped to think why so many at St Peter's Square were celebrating her life and work.