[metmom]

Of course it does because the people in those days understood what they meant when they asked the question and listed His brothers by name. And Jesus corrected them so HE knew what they meant and He never told them that they were wrong.

At the very least, if He was tempted in every way just as we are and is without sin, He HAD to have had siblings..... There's nothing like them to try the content of your character.

That aside, why is it so important to Catholics that Mary always have been a virgin, even after the birth of Christ and that He not have had any brothers or sisters?

What's so wrong about sex between a husband and wife that Mary couldn't have done it and had other children?

[annalex]

He HAD to have had siblings

Really? Jesus had to have siblings to improve His character? I thought I have heard everything...

What's so wrong about sex between a husband and wife that Mary couldn't have done

Nothing. She could have had marital relations with Joseph if she and he wished to. It is by the way about the fifths time someone asks me that question. Can we consider it answered by now? That Mary remained virgin all her life is a historical fact known by the Church. It is not some kind of malleable story that the Church writes every way she wishes. It happens to be fact. Thanks to that, there was no detractors trying to say that Jesus was simply an illegitimate son of some unknown father, or a son of Joseph conceived prior to marriage. So it is a very fortunate fact for us, Christians.