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Hi Steve,
Thanks for your question.
First, we have to start with a correct
premise.
We are expected
to imitate the Saints.
This is why the Church acknowledges
that people who have passed from
this life, and are now in Heaven,
are saints. Saints are role models
of holiness in this life, so that
all mankind, let alone Catholic Christians,
can have examples to look to, for
living a Christ-like life that Our
Blessed Lord would be happy with.
Now, to the root of your question:
You said:
. . . it is important for me that I
have a good understanding regarding the subject
of corporal mortification.
- Is severe penance right or wrong?
Some saints opposed it (Philip Neri) and others,
such as Rose of Lima, put herself through
terrible pains.
- Are there accepted methods in the Church
or could the Saints have used any method
for inflicting pain on themselves?
Penance and mortification are good;
they are good for the soul and body.
As Catholics, we believe we partake
in Real Divine nature, while still
being human. The human side of us
may not like penance and mortification,
but our divine side knows that it
helps the body of Christ as a whole,
and our own bodies to clean us of
previous sin.
In reference to severe penance and mortification:
While it can be meritorious, severe
penance and mortification are not
required by the Church during any
season; nor has it ever been. It
is my understanding that even the
saints who wished to inflict severe
penance and mortification on themselves,
for some spiritual or temporal good,
required some permission from their
superiors on the issue.
Remember, all religious take vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience.
I have no problems with you following
the examples of the Saints in this
area, e.g. severe penance and mortification,
as long as you have a regular, personal
confessor who is loyal to the Magisterium
and Church teachings.
To my knowledge, the Church has said nothing on acceptable methods of severe penance in the Church.
Hope this helps,
Mike Humphrey
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