I’ve seen thousands line the streets, not just for a glimpse, but for adoration — in deserts, cities and mountain valleys.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of solemn observance that ends on Easter Sunday.© Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman/USA TODAY Network ...

We have the 4-letter answer for NOUN: "the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting" ...