Parishioners were saddened to hear that vandals caused destruction to a crucifix that stood outside a Waterford Township church.

The large crucifix was ripped from the base on which it stood outside St. Perpetua Church on Airport Road. A hole was also punched through the statue's stomach area.

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Parishioners Saddened By Crucifix Vandalism

Police believe the vandals struck between 3:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"It's very sad," said Mary Cartieer, of Waterford Township.

Cartieer told Local 4 she was worried that the attack may have had something to do with the highly publicized controversy surrounding last week's release of Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of Christ," which reportedly made more than $125 million in its first five days.

Police say it's the third time the 40-year-old statue has been vandalized.

In November of 2002, it was damaged along with some other statues surrounding the church.

Banners outside St. Perpetua celebrating the churches 40th anniversary were slashed last week, the station reported.

"I'm deeply saddened and I just feel bad that someone has the animosity against the church," said Ruth Larson, a parishioner at St. Perpetua.

Sgt. Barry Hague of the Waterford Police Department told Local 4 that officers will need help from the public to catch the vandals responsible.

The priest at St. Perpetua will discuss with church council to decide whether to repair the crucifix.

The crucifix was donated to the church 40 years ago in memory of local family.