Cardinal Tomko, retired prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will represent the Pope at the events Sept. 4 in the Croatian Diocese of Varazdin.
The 87-year-old cardinal is a native of Slovakia.
In a Latin-language letter to Cardinal Tomko published Saturday by the Vatican, Benedict XVI reminded that “without the Eucharist we cannot be true Christians and the Church cannot be built up for the salvation of men.”
The 1411 miracle involved a priest doubting transubstantiation. As he celebrated Mass, the Precious Blood took on the appearance of blood.
Croatian faithful have venerated this Eucharistic miracle down the centuries and have witnessed innumerable healings linked to it, noted Vatican Radio.
Benedict XVI referred to the Eucharistic miracle during his visit to Croatia in June. Celebrating Mass in Zagreb on the occasion of the National Day of Catholic Families, the Pope said: “Dear parents, commit yourselves always to teach your children to pray, and pray with them; draw them close to the Sacraments, especially to the Eucharist, as we celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Eucharistic miracle of Ludbreg; and introduce them to the life of the Church; in the intimacy of the home do not be afraid to read the sacred Scriptures, illuminating family life with the light of faith and praising God as Father.
“Be like a little Upper Room, like that of Mary and the disciples, in which to live unity, communion and prayer!”
