The Order of Friars Minor Conventual can be historically linked to the early pioneers of Australia.

After all, the first Catholic priest to die on Australian soil was a Conventual Franciscan friar, Pere Claude-Francois Joseph Louis Receveur, who came from France with the ill-fated La Perouse expedition and died at La Perouse, Botany Bay, on February 17, 1788.

His gravesite, an historic monument, is in front of the French Museum at La Perouse.

In more modern times, the presence in Australia of the Conventual Franciscan Friars dates back to 1954.

The first foundation was made in South Australia, followed by NSW and Victoria.

The friars are celebrating their 50th anniversary here this year.

One of the highlights has been a Jubilee Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Kellyville, presided over by the Minister General of the order, Fr Joachim Giermek, who travelled from Rome to be with the friars for the occasion.

The friars held celebrations in three of their parish communities.

They attended a three-day assembly in Kellyville to reflect on the 50 years in Australia and to discuss issues facing them today, plus ideas and plans for the future.

Then a second jubilee Mass was celebrated at the order's parish Church of St Joseph's, in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale.

The last of the official celebrations was at St Francis of Assisi parish, Warrawong, with a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Peter Ingham.