When Catholic missionaries were more active; in the XV, XVI or XVII century? Why?

Catholic missionaries were most active in the 16th century, when their competition with new Protestant preachers for a new flock of pagans and heretics became especially acute, and the zone of this competition was rapidly expanding due to the development of Asia and America.

Remember: The process of learning a person lasts a lifetime. The value of the same knowledge for different people may be different, it is determined by their individual characteristics and needs. Therefore, knowledge is always needed at any age and position.