[_DigitaLVampirE_]

Self-mortification is not practised by all Catholics but i can understand why some Catholics in certain countries practise it. They are re-enacting Christ's last stages of the Stations of the Cross before His crucifixion. Although bloody mortifications are discouraged by the Church, it does encourage the act of (bloodless) flagellation, sexual abstinence, fasting and prayer.

One should also remember that we live in a day and age where many are not accustomed to such forms of penance. Sometimes we forget the actual suffering of Christ's Crucifixion. As they say, pictures are worth a thousand words, but a thousand words and pictures cannot describe what pain and suffering is like until one experiences it for him/herself. It is not a form of "punishment", rather a reminder. All too often, we take Christ's sacrifice for granted because we are too comfortable with the luxuries of life.

But i didn't know Imam Hussain died for the Shi'ite's sins?
Now, this is something i have never heard of. Interesting.