José Martins Júnior, a multifaceted figure who served as a priest, politician, musician, and composer, passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Machico in 1938, he was ordained a priest in 1962 and took over the parish of Ribeira Seca in 1969, where he quickly became a central presence.
Known to some as the "red priest," Martins Júnior was an influential and sometimes controversial voice in Madeira. Beyond his religious work, he dedicated himself to mobilizing youth, teaching music, and organizing cultural activities that strengthened the community. His influence spanned generations, remembered for his ability to give voice to a forgotten population and challenge established powers.
In one of his last public appearances, on May 30, 2025, during the Machico Mandolin Encounter, Martins Júnior announced his final performance, symbolically passing on the torch of his work to Telmo Viveiros, who learned to play the mandolin from him.