Faith and Football: A Diaconate's Passion for Deportivo Saprissa
Marvin Rodríguez merges his religious duties with his commitment to the beloved football club.
At the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, known for its dramatic comebacks and last-minute goals, one individual has made a significant impact as a devoted supporter: Marvin Rodríguez.
Rodríguez, a deacon since 2014, intertwines his reverence for the church with his unwavering support for Deportivo Saprissa, often referred to as 'el Monstruo.'
A lifelong fan, Rodríguez credits his father with instilling in him a passion for Saprissa from a young age.
He opted not to pursue a path as a priest, preferring to focus on his family life and devote himself to church service while raising three children alongside his wife, Mayela, who shares his enthusiasm for the team.
Professionally, Rodríguez worked as a pharmacist, most recently with the Instituto de Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia (IAFA), before retiring five years ago, which has enabled him to devote more time to his parish in San Isidro Labrador, located in Coronado.
His commitment to both his religious duties and his passion for football is evident as he arranges his schedule to ensure he does not miss a match for his team.
He reflects on his upbringing, recalling that his parents were ardent Saprissa fans.
Rodríguez’s deep rooting in the team's culture intensified upon marrying Mayela, leading to family traditions that include attending matches regularly.
Over the years, they have purchased five seats in the east stand, ensuring that the family enjoys games together.
Rodríguez has dedicated years to serving his community in various church capacities, including family pastoral care and marriage counseling.
His journey to becoming a permanent deacon began in 2014, when he joined a seventeen-person cohort from an initial group of 150 candidates.
Describing himself as a passionate supporter, he expresses that while he takes pride in his team, he approaches rivalries with respect, even maintaining a cordial relationship with colleague deacons who support rival teams.
He discusses his unwavering loyalty to Saprissa, stating that even during difficult seasons, he continued to support the team financially by maintaining his season tickets.
As a deacon, Rodríguez’s responsibilities include performing baptisms, blessing marriages, and participating in liturgical services, but he does not hold the authority to conduct confessions or celebrate Mass.
To balance his duties and his fandom, Marvin shares that he strategically plans around match schedules, ensuring he can fulfill both his religious responsibilities and his attendance at matches.
He occasionally negotiates to watch games at home or on time off from church events.
As an avid supporter, he dons his Saprissa attire proudly, including his purple jersey and scarf, as a testament to his commitment.
He has expressed admiration for several players, particularly Wálter Centeno, whom he regards as one of the greatest players in the club's history, and he currently has appreciation for Mariano Torres's contributions to the team.
Rodríguez notes that while he supports his team wholeheartedly, he is distressed by negativity directed at certain players, including David Guzmán, emphasizing the importance of backing all members of the team.
Looking ahead, he welcomes the hiring of Paulo César Wanchope as a coach and views it as an opportunity for experienced players to mentor younger talent.
Rodríguez acknowledges past losses and disappointments, particularly when key players in his estimation transferred to rival clubs, which further solidifies his emotional investment in Saprissa's fortunes.
Rodríguez, a deacon since 2014, intertwines his reverence for the church with his unwavering support for Deportivo Saprissa, often referred to as 'el Monstruo.'
A lifelong fan, Rodríguez credits his father with instilling in him a passion for Saprissa from a young age.
He opted not to pursue a path as a priest, preferring to focus on his family life and devote himself to church service while raising three children alongside his wife, Mayela, who shares his enthusiasm for the team.
Professionally, Rodríguez worked as a pharmacist, most recently with the Instituto de Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia (IAFA), before retiring five years ago, which has enabled him to devote more time to his parish in San Isidro Labrador, located in Coronado.
His commitment to both his religious duties and his passion for football is evident as he arranges his schedule to ensure he does not miss a match for his team.
He reflects on his upbringing, recalling that his parents were ardent Saprissa fans.
Rodríguez’s deep rooting in the team's culture intensified upon marrying Mayela, leading to family traditions that include attending matches regularly.
Over the years, they have purchased five seats in the east stand, ensuring that the family enjoys games together.
Rodríguez has dedicated years to serving his community in various church capacities, including family pastoral care and marriage counseling.
His journey to becoming a permanent deacon began in 2014, when he joined a seventeen-person cohort from an initial group of 150 candidates.
Describing himself as a passionate supporter, he expresses that while he takes pride in his team, he approaches rivalries with respect, even maintaining a cordial relationship with colleague deacons who support rival teams.
He discusses his unwavering loyalty to Saprissa, stating that even during difficult seasons, he continued to support the team financially by maintaining his season tickets.
As a deacon, Rodríguez’s responsibilities include performing baptisms, blessing marriages, and participating in liturgical services, but he does not hold the authority to conduct confessions or celebrate Mass.
To balance his duties and his fandom, Marvin shares that he strategically plans around match schedules, ensuring he can fulfill both his religious responsibilities and his attendance at matches.
He occasionally negotiates to watch games at home or on time off from church events.
As an avid supporter, he dons his Saprissa attire proudly, including his purple jersey and scarf, as a testament to his commitment.
He has expressed admiration for several players, particularly Wálter Centeno, whom he regards as one of the greatest players in the club's history, and he currently has appreciation for Mariano Torres's contributions to the team.
Rodríguez notes that while he supports his team wholeheartedly, he is distressed by negativity directed at certain players, including David Guzmán, emphasizing the importance of backing all members of the team.
Looking ahead, he welcomes the hiring of Paulo César Wanchope as a coach and views it as an opportunity for experienced players to mentor younger talent.
Rodríguez acknowledges past losses and disappointments, particularly when key players in his estimation transferred to rival clubs, which further solidifies his emotional investment in Saprissa's fortunes.
