Many Catholics feel very anxious about certain passages in the Gospels which seem to suggest that, far from preserving her perpetual virginity after the birth of Jesus, Our Lady went on to have quite a significant brood – certainly of boys, but perhaps girls too. In Mark 3, and with parallels in Matthew and Luke, we read: “ mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to Him and called Him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you’” (Mark 3:31).
2:00 PM
The brothers and sisters of Jesus
Many Catholics feel very anxious about certain passages in the Gospels which seem to suggest that, far from preserving her perpetual virginity after the birth of Jesus, Our Lady went on to have quite a significant brood – certainly of boys, but perhaps girls too.
Fr Richard Ounsworth OP
5 min read
Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine
subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe
