Back to one’s own culture : the reintegration of Maltese religious male missionaries into their country of origin

Abstract

The aim for this study is to understand the process of reintegration of Maltese Religious male missionaries back into their country of origin. Five Maltese Religious male missionaries from four communities participated. For each missionary an interview was conducted to gain an understanding of their reintegration experience. The data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and five themes were developed. These were the welcoming experience, the internal and external changes these missionaries encountered upon return, the strong attachment with the missionary country and its effects on reenty distress, and some experiences that eased this distress which was termed as cushioning effect. The findings showed that not all missionaries experienced a smooth reentry and some of the struggles encountered were the result of lack of welcoming in the community and outside of it, and the lack of preparation done before reentry. However, spirituality, having a stopover in another country during transition, and having an active role in ministry helped in reintegration by providing a cushioning effect, decreasing the reentry distress. This study provides knowledge for both the Religious communities and future returning missionaries an understanding of what may entail in the process of reintegration in Malta. Furthermore, it may create more awareness in society about the reintegration experience of these missionaries.