Why is "flame Impingement" bad for the catalyst?

Direct flame contact is death to the catalyst. A catalyst burns the byproducts in the smoke. The gases such as CO, HC, and O2 ignite with each other in a chemical reaction in the presence of the catalyst (while passing through the honeycomb configuration).
Direct flame inhibits this reaction by changing the chemical make-up of the catalyst breaking down the substrate or ceramic.

Today's modern catalytic wood burning stoves are designed so that flame impingement is unlikely.  However, it is still impossible. A strong fast draft can pull the flames around the flame shield and into the catalyst. A hot fire with all the primary air controls wide open or perhaps the firebox door or ash pan door ajar are other ways the catalyst might receive flame impingement.