By the death of martyrs religion has been defended, faith increased

"By the death of martyrs religion has been defended, faith increased, the 
Church strengthened; the dead have conquered, the persecutors have been 
overcome. And so we celebrate the death of those of whose lives we are 
ignorant. So, too, David rejoiced in prophecy at the departure of his own 
soul, saying: ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His 
saints.’ He esteemed death better than life. The death itself of the 
martyrs is the prize of their life. And again, by the death of those at 
variance hatred is put an end to."

St. Ambrose of Milan. 

"If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory 
to My name," Says the Lord of hosts, "I will send a curse upon you, And I 
will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do 
not take it to heart."  Malachi 2:2