In recent months, the “Buena Fortuna” lucky charm has gained massive popularity among Filipinos online, often marketed as a mystical key to prosperity and success. Sold through e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee and even Facebook live streams, these small statues or pendants — said to be “charged” with positive energy or mantras — promise to attract wealth, ward off negativity, and bless businesses with abundance.

The name Buena Fortuna, Spanish for “good fortune,” resonates strongly in a culture deeply rooted in faith yet fascinated by the supernatural. To many Filipinos, owning a “pampaswerte” charm feels like a harmless act of hope — an extra push for good luck in uncertain times. Sellers often claim that their charms have been infused with powerful orasyon (prayers) to “activate” their spiritual energy, and that belief, positivity and good intentions amplify their effects.

A growing trend in modern folk spirituality

The Buena Fortuna phenomenon is part of a broader revival of folk spirituality and syncretic beliefs blending Catholic rituals, traditional superstition and Eastern influences. From wealth-attracting crystals to prosperity Buddhas, these items are marketed as both spiritual tools and aesthetic accessories — appealing to a generation seeking control over their destiny in a fast-changing world.

For business owners, freelancers, and even students, these charms represent a tangible symbol of hope. “It’s not about replacing faith,” one online seller wrote in her product description. “It’s about manifesting good energy and reminding yourself that blessings are within reach.”

The Catholic Church’s firm stance

However, the growing popularity of Buena Fortuna charms has drawn concern from Catholic groups. The Roman Catholic Apologetics Facebook page recently issued a statement reminding the faithful that belief in lucky charms or “pampaswerte” items runs contrary to Church teachings.

“Bilang Katoliko, dapat nating tandaan na ang ganitong paniniwala ay labag sa ating pananampalataya,” the page wrote, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2115–2117), which warns against divination, superstition and the use of magical objects.

“Kapag naniwala ka sa suwerte o kapalaran, nilalabag mo ang unang utos ng Diyos. Ito ay isang anyo ng idolatrya.”

The post also referenced Isaiah 65:11, where the Bible condemns those who “set a table for the god of fortune and fill cups for the god of destiny.”

Faith over fortune

According to the Church, all blessings and success come not from objects but from God’s providence. True faith, it teaches, requires surrender rather than superstition — placing one’s trust in divine will rather than man-made symbols.

While the Buena Fortuna charm may be embraced by many as a cultural expression of hope, the conversation it sparks goes beyond commerce — it highlights the ongoing tension between faith, tradition, and the human desire for control over luck and life’s uncertainties.