[AlaninSA]

He’s a crackpot, self-mortifying nutcase...

But if it works for you, great.

[annalex]

Mortifying your flesh is the first recorded method of evangelization, and a good idea if your life is of concern to you.

And the same John had his garment of camels' hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the country about Jordan: (Matthew 3:4f)

if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live (Romans 8:13)

However, you might have your bishops mixed up, not that it matters. Obey all of them, and this one in particular, and you shall live.