posted by Robert Boyd KDBC 4 News

Mount Cristo Rey has been a religious landmark in Sunland Park since the 1940s, but now it's facing some major challenges due to vandalism.

During the last few months the shrines leading up to the mountain, the Virgin of Guadalupe and Virgin of Fatima, have been damaged beyond repair. Vandals have chipped off the faces from the tile murals and even removed some of the tiles. The statue of Christ at the top of the mountain has also suffered damage, all of the statue's toes were chiseled away.

The Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee said both shrines will be replaced and surrounded by bullet proof glass and grottos. The committee believes gangs from Juarez are responsible because they have left writing in graffiti. However, they also say it's going to be tough to catch them.

In order to pay for the restoration the committee is selling memorial tiles from $125 a piece. They will be placed around the base of the statue of Christ. For more information on buying a tile call Ruben Escandon Jr., of the Restoration Committee, at 915-252-9840.