40 Days of Grace (Day 29): Mortifications to Practice to Prepare for Holy Week

The sacred period of Holy Week invites us to draw closer to Christ by walking with Him through His Passion. Mortification—voluntary self-denial—is one way to join our sacrifices with those of Jesus.

Here are a few ideas for mortification which we can practice to sanctify the final days of Lent and enter into Holy Week with deeper reverence.

PHYSICAL MORTIFICATIONS

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily.” — Luke 9:23

1. Give Up All Snacking Between Meals

A simple yet powerful reminder to hunger for God more than food.

2. Sleep Without a Pillow (or Use a Thin One)

This small discomfort can be offered up for souls in purgatory or for someone suffering.

3. Cold Showers (or Lukewarm at Least)

An ascetical practice that builds discipline and trains the will.

4. Fasting Beyond the Obligatory Days

Choose an extra day in the week to fast more strictly—perhaps on Wednesday or Saturday.

5. Abstain from Seasoning or Sweeteners

Skip sugar, salt, or spices in your meals to detach from comfort and savor simplicity.

SPIRITUAL MORTIFICATIONS

“Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41

1. Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier for Silent Prayer

Offer the first part of your day to God, resisting the pull of comfort and sleep.

2. Limit or Eliminate Social Media

Silence the noise and make room for God’s voice in your day.

3. Meditate on the Passion Daily

Use the Gospels or a traditional devotion like the Stations of the Cross.

4. No Music or Entertainment Without Religious Content

Let your mind and heart be filled only with what uplifts and sanctifies.

5. Avoid Complaining Entirely

This mortification can be one of the hardest and most fruitful, especially during stress.

CHARITABLE MORTIFICATIONS

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40

1. Visit the Sick, Lonely, or Elderly

Even a phone call counts. Giving time is a mortification of your convenience.

2. Serve Without Being Noticed

Intentionally do an act of service where you’ll get zero recognition.

3. Double Your Almsgiving for Holy Week

Make a sacrificial gift to the poor, especially to Lenten collections or to any other NGO in need.

4. Practice “Silent Mercy”

Let someone else have the last word, or hold back an argument. A mortification of pride for the sake of peace.

Bonus Tip: Unite It All with Prayer

Whatever mortification you choose, offer it intentionally—for a soul, a family member, the Church, or in reparation for sin. Mortification without love is just self-punishment; with love, it becomes a cross that saves.

By Catholic Connect Reporter