As a Philippine Catholic Magazine for the young , THE YOUNGSTER was launched in June, 1956 as a second periodical managed by the Society of Saint Paul from its apostolic center that was then located within the compound of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at F.B. Harrison, Pasay City. The Italian Pauline Fr. Stephen Cane was its first editor.

The SSP Italian illustrated weekly Magazine for young people – “Il Giornalino”-- served as a model for THE YOUNGSTER. In fact, the first issues of the magazine featured translations of the comics scripts and articles published in “Il Giornalino.” Later on, Filipino Paulines wrote their own comics scripts for THE YOUNGSTER. Among these were: “Dick Dancy and the British Bees” by Fr. Andres R. Arboleda; “Uncle Doroy and Totoy” and “Old Friends Never Die” by Fr. Lydio. B. Barisoro. Likewise, THE YOUNGSTER also published poems, write-ups of the Saints, and articles on the history of different countries. It also began having a “Pen Pal Corner” for young people who love to meet new friends.

Among those who served as Editors of THE YOUNGSTER were: Fr. Mayor and Fr. Abuda; Fr. Jerome Casolari (1960); Fr. Romeo Hitosis (1966); Fr. Peter Lydio Barisoro (1968); Fr. Ramon Manalo (1972); Fr. Apolinar Castor, Jr (1982); Fr. Joseph Javillo (1986); Bro. Hansel Mapayo (1994); Fr. Rene Tañeza (1998); Fr. Raymond Ferraris (1999); Bro. Dennis Figuerres (2000). Fr. Hipolito Aberion is serving as the editor since 2005.

A number of Catholic Schools have been consistent supporters of THE YOUNGSTER. From a largely illustrated magazine, the publications then began to feature the life sharings of students from various schools. Each issue of the magazine featured a school in its cover.

In honor of the Founder Blessed James Alberione, fondly referred to as “Primo Maestro,” THE YOUNGSTER came out with a yearlong comics series in 1983. The script was a project of Pauline college seminarians who were then taking up a course in script writing conducted by Fr. Josefino J. Javellana, a Pauline priest who taught mass communications subject at De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the Philippines.  

Award-winning lay writers also wrote for THE YOUNGSTER. Among these were: Lito Cinco, Flor Afable Olazo, and Rose Nem Singh.

Adjusting to the young people’s new culture of cyberspace THE YOUNGSTER began coming out as a bi-monthly publication in 2005.  

On November 25, 2006 THE YOUNGSTER celebrated its 50th anniversary. Around 200 students and teachers representing more than 25 schools gathered at the ground of the Society of Saint Paul in Makati to participate in the Mass, the workshops, the talks, the Bible quiz and the mini-concert. “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate John Prats, young star Camille Prats, “Star Search” winner Jerome Sala, and “Eat Bulaga” child star BJ Tolits were among the guests.

To Form the Youth into Ministers of the Word is the continuing commitment of THE YOUNGSTER amidst the changing interests of the young, and amidst the economic crunch.