Who is Mariano Rivera’s wife Clara Rivera?

Mariano Rivera's dominance as an MLB player is clear from the fact that he is the only player in history to have achieved a Unanimous Hall of Fame Induction. Rivera was the first player in all of MLB's history to be elected unanimously into the Hall of Fame back in 2019. He received votes from all 425 Baseball Writers' Association of America voters.

However, Rivera, who holds the record for the most saves in MLB history finds himself and his wife Clara Rivera, embroiled in a lawsuit that alleges them of covering up child abuse that allegedly happened at a Christian summer camp associated with their church.

Clara Rivera serves as the Senior Pastor of Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle, New York, which she and Mariano established in their home in 2009. As the congregation expanded, they relocated to a renovated Presbyterian church that had been vacant since the 1970s.

A tweet on X shows a picture of their home church with the caption:

"A rainbow over my old church, now owned by Mariano Rivera (yes, THAT Mariano) with his wife Clara as the pastor. So grateful they renovated it and brought it back to life after being abandoned for so many years. Refuge of Hope Church. #PalmSunday"

Mariano and Clara invested $3 million into revitalizing the historic structure, with Mariano taking a hands-on approach to the renovations. Reflecting on his efforts after earning a humanitarian award from the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 2014, he remarked:

"You don't do it to be recognized. You do it because it comes from the heart. You want to please the Lord."

The church's website highlights Clara's guiding principle:

"My faith is in God, and my greatest desire is to live in a way that pleases Him."

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More about Clara and Mariano Rivera's life

Mariano Rivera, the former Yankees star, married Clara in 1991, and together they have three children: Mariano Rivera III, Jaziel Rivera, and Jafet Rivera.

Mariano and Clara embraced grandparenthood in September 2020 with the arrival of their first granddaughter, Leilani Marie Rivera, born to their son Mariano III. Two years later, in 2022, the family grew with the birth of his second granddaughter, Mia.

"Being called 'Abuelo' or Grandpa is the greatest honor of all,"

Mariano shared in a heartfelt Instagram post in January 2022, reflecting on this cherished new chapter in his life. After retiring from baseball, Mariano dedicated his time to philanthropy, politics, and religious initiatives.

In 2014, he purchased a historic church in New Rochelle, New York, transforming it into the home of Refuge of Hope Church. Clara took on the role of head pastor when the church officially opened its doors.

Mariano Rivera shared a heartfelt post on their anniversary on his Instagram, celebrating 30 years of togetherness. He wrote:

"Happy Anniversary Clara! 30 years with you by my side as my wife has been a dream. Your love for God, for me, and for our family wins me over every day. A million ‘I love you’s’ could never express what you truly mean to me. Here’s to a life time together"

As for the current lawsuit they find themselves navigating, the Associated Press reported that Mariano Rivera has addressed all the allegations saying:

“It is true that I face demands in the courts, all without foundation, which are affecting my children whom I love with all my heart,”

Mariano Rivera’s journey from an iconic MLB career to a life devoted to faith, family, and community service is a testament to his multifaceted legacy. However, their lives have taken an unexpected turn with the lawsuit alleging a cover-up of child abuse linked to a summer camp associated with their church.

While the accusations have cast a shadow over their philanthropic and religious work, Mariano Rivera has publicly denied the claims, emphasizing his commitment to his family and his faith.