BISHOP SAYS FAITH A BALM.(MAIN)

Byline: MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON Staff writer -

Calling the ordeal the ``greatest trial of my adult life'' Bishop Howard Hubbard said the power of prayer and the goodness of people helped him cope with the exhaustive and often-times embarrassing investigation that eventually cleared him of sexual misconduct allegations.

``Four months ago I came before you to say that I have honored my commitment to celibacy, that I have never abused anyone in any way, and that I have told the truth,'' Hubbard said Saturday in his first public remarks since he was cleared on Thursday by Mary Jo White, a former federal prosecutor hired to look into the charges. ``But this afternoon I am different from the man who stood here on Feb. 5.''

Appearing emotionally drained, the 65-year-old Troy native's voice trembled as he reflected on the past four months that shook the 400,000-member Roman Catholic Diocese of …