Yes, it is true.
Missionaries
A number of religious orders helped spread Catholicism. The Benedictines were instrumental in civilizing and spreading Catholicism all through Europe. The Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans were primarily educators and missionaries for most of their history.
Watch your Flags, there. The founder of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits- was one Father Ignatius Loyola. His able right-hand man was St. Francis Xavier. Both of these priests were Spanish Basques, not Portugese. There were many missionaries of different orders in the New World- many being Franciscan- look at prolific City-Founder Fr. Junipero Serra- who was a Franciscan. With the exception of Brazil, most colonies in the New World ( stemming from Columbus" explorations)- were Spanish, not Portugese. It is a known factor the two Priestly saints Loyola and Xavier- were Spanish.
Christianity (Catholicism)
He formed the Society of Jesus that was made up of the Jesuits, which were like an army of missionaries that spread Catholicism throughout Asia and the New World.
Spain hoped to spread Catholicism in its American colonies. The Spanish Crown viewed the spread of Catholicism as a way to unify and control its colonies, as well as to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. Missionaries, such as the Franciscans and Jesuits, played a key role in spreading Catholicism in the Americas.
The Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, was founded as a result of the Counter Reformation in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola. They played a significant role in defending and spreading Catholicism during this period.
The Japanese were predominantly Buddhists and Shintoists. However, around the 16th century Spanish and Portuguese Jesuits began spreading Christianity in Japan, and many people converted to it.
The Jesuits.
* Stopping the spread of Protestantism in both Europe and the New World * Spreading the tenants of Catholicism through missionary work * Establishing Catholic schools and colleges in Europe and abroad
Jesuits are those who are a part of the Society of Jesus. A division of Catholicism founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, played a significant role in the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, the Jesuits focused on spreading Catholicism, education, and countering the spread of Protestantism. Their emphasis on discipline, education, and missionary work made them influential figures in the Catholic Church's efforts to combat the Protestant Reformation.