What is the importance of Mary's perpetual virginity?

[Celiane]

Hello,
Being that our blessed mother was a devout Jew, and married to Joseph why is the matter of her perpetual virginity emphasized so strongly? I understand the importance of her virginity when she conceived our Lord. That is not my question. As a Jew, surely she and Joseph would have hoped for children. Is it implied that as a married woman, she would have committed a sin by having sexual relations with her husband? How can that be, as it implies that all married women would be committing a sin to have intimate relations and children with their husbands. What is the church’s teaching regarding the importance of her perpetual virginity?
Thank you, Celiane

 

[Devon_Caffran]

The following links should assist you in better understanding Mary’s perpetual virginity. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
**Recommended Reading:
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• Doesn’t Scripture imply that Mary had children other than Jesus?
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• ** Mary: Ever Virgin**
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