Scripture is quite clear that she had sexual relations with her husband Joseph, and had children by him.
Matthew 1:19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: 23 Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. 25 And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Other Scripture lists Jesus' brothers by name.
Why is it so important to Catholics to think that Mary was always a virgin?
What's the problem they have with the thought that she was a wife to her husband and had other children?
How does that affect Catholic doctrine?
Does it affect a person's salvation if she wasn't perpetually a virgin?
How would the Catholic church change if she wasn't?
WOULD it change?
"And it came to pass as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice,and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee,and the paps which thou hast sucked.".(Luke 11: 27).
This would have been the perfect time for Christ to exalt Mary and speak of her perpetual virginity or worthiness of worship.
Instead He replies: "But he said, yea RATHER, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it". (Luke 11;28).