It has been reported that he did so. If the reports are accurate, it is within the bounds of Catholic theology and piety to inflict mortifications upon oneself for the purpose of growing in union with God, who suffered unimaginably for union with us. Even non-Catholics recognize the value of mortifying the flesh for some higher purpose. Film stars do it for the sake of money and celebrity, athletes do it for a shot at a gold medal, Catholic saints have done it for God.
