Martins was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but was raised in Chicago.

He attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Music.

He later studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Master of Arts in Music History in 1975.

[3] Martins is a member of Communion Partners which opposed the 77th General Convention's decision to authorize the blessing of same-sex marriages in 2012.

[4] He serves as a trustee of the American Region of the Society of King Charles the Martyr and as Superior-General of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.