Mary's Virginity

[SWTHRT]

I am confused about Mary’s virginity.

I believe that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, and I have also been taught over the years that she remained a virgin her entire life, even though she was married to Joseph.

I also believe that the Virgin Mary is without sin.

However, isn’t the main importance of marriage in the Catholic church to consumate your marriage with your partner, be open to having children, and to PROCREATE.

If this is true, wouldn’t it be considered wrong ( or a sin??) for Mary to be married to Joseph for her entire life and to never consumate their marriage or to be open to having more children?

Thanks for your help!

Karen

 

[mrS4ntA]

The marriage between the Virgin Mary and St Joseph was one of contract – not covenant like ours are – that’s part of the Jewish tradition. St Joseph was more like a legal guardian to the Holy Family – as the tradition and the Law required a woman her child(ren) to have.

 

[Ann_Cheryl]

mrS4ntA:

The marriage between the Virgin Mary and St Joseph was one of contract – not covenant like ours are – that’s part of the Jewish tradition. St Joseph was more like a legal guardian to the Holy Family – as the tradition and the Law required a woman her child(ren) to have.

Well said.

 

[jax8686]

another point id like to add, is that you have to consider the fact that Joseph was presumably(i say presumably cuz i dont remember where i read this, or what any official church teachings are) a lot older than Mary. someone of his age, probly 50s at the time considering he wasnt around once Jesus set out, would have easily accepted a young virgin wife, and after the message from the angel, probably had no problem supporting her, and her son, with no selfish agenda. i have also heard that Joseph had a wife before Mary, and that would explain some of the instances in the bible where they talk about Jesus’ brothers and sisters

(please correct me if im mistaken)
God Bless
James

 

[puzzleannie]

SWTHRT:

I am confused about Mary’s virginity.

I
However, isn’t the main importance of marriage in the Catholic church to consumate your marriage with your partner, be open to having children, and to PROCREATE.

If this is true, wouldn’t it be considered wrong ( or a sin??) for Mary to be married to Joseph for her entire life and to never consumate their marriage or to be open to having more children?

Thanks for your help!

Karen

by your reasoning, any couple who refrained from sex in marriage, for any reason whatever, would be sinning. St. Paul says it is good for spouses to abstain for reasons of service to the kingdom, and it has always been acceptable for spouses, by mutual consent, to abstain periodically or permanently. Sex is a good thing, abstinence for spiritual or other reasons can also be a good thing. Abstinence does not mean NOT being open to having children, necessarily, it can have a lot of other good reasons and motives. A vow and promise to God is a very good motive.

 

[RSiscoe]

SWTHRT:

I am confused about Mary’s virginity.

I believe that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, and I have also been taught over the years that she remained a virgin her entire life, even though she was married to Joseph.

I also believe that the Virgin Mary is without sin.

However, isn’t the main importance of marriage in the Catholic church to consumate your marriage with your partner, be open to having children, and to PROCREATE.

If this is true, wouldn’t it be considered wrong ( or a sin??) for Mary to be married to Joseph for her entire life and to never consumate their marriage or to be open to having more children?

Thanks for your help!

Karen

From the time Mary was 3 years old she was, what was known as, a “Temple Virgin” - kind of like a nun. Just like the nun’s today, she took a vow of chastity.

Since she was chosen to be the mother of Our Lord, it was necessary that she be married; but since she took the vow of celibacy, she could not have marital relations. That is one of the reason she remained a virgin her entire life.

The following is a link to a wonderful book that discusses this. The book has been praised by many Popes, and it is available online.

geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/7194/contents.html

 

[SWTHRT]

Thanks everyone for explaining this matter.

I know that abstinence in a marriage is not a sin, but I thought she was married like marriage is today. That is why I wondered why she never consumated her marriage and wasn’t open to children with Joseph. Now you all have explained why!!

Thanks,
Karen