In 1867 he lost his voice and was forced to write out homilies and addresses and have others deliver them for him. Despite this he continued to focus on hearing confessions and caring for the parish community the work of his congregation. In 1862 he opened a small convent for girls and in 1866 formalized it under a Rule that would evolve into a religious congregation. The congregation he had founded was devoted to the instruction of children in a religious education and also catered to providing assistance to the ill. The congregation also worked for the promotion of parish activities. He welcomed the poor and was known for his enlightened views of Christian attitudes towards the poor. He also tended to orphans. Baccilieri was also well known as a great spiritual director who would hear up to 16 hours of confession from his flock. He also taught Italian and Latin to seminarians in Finale Emilia.
