I was given to understand by my own Catholic Priest that as far as he had understood and been taught, Jesus DID have siblings.
When I incredulously asked - "REALLY??!?" he responded - "Yes. Why not?"
That really surprises me since Mary's perpetual virginity has always been the teaching of the Church.
My main gripe about all of this is - why did Joseph suddenly drop off the edge of the map?
He sacrificed so much and did all he could to be a suitable father to God Incarnate. I am more than a little miffed, on his behalf, tht his role seems to have been sidelined and relegated to one of a second-rate support....
Whatever happened to him?
I've never thought of Joseph's role as second-rate. It's believed that he was older than Mary and probably died before Jesus' adult ministry. And if he had been alive it doesn't make sense that he wouldn't have been mentioned in the gospels.
Peace in Christ,
