A friend of my daughters from an Irish Catholic family had a rough time last week. I’m having a rough time understanding.

She and her long term boyfriend found a new apartment close to both of their jobs, excited about it and ready to move in.
She told her folks and her dad went bonkers!
Both 23, both music teachers, both had lived with friends over the past 5 years.
Her father called on her loyalty to him, her love for him - as he forbade her to move in with the BF. She conceded to his demand.

Now she commutes an hour, her BF 40 minutes - each way daily!
They even considered getting engaged to appease her dad.
Now, her parents are my age. Very warm, loving, fun people. But a surprisingly archaic religious outlook...no?

I’ve married and lived with a few Irish Catholic. The mother of one - a WAV! Born 1925 - simply stated ‘I need to say that I cannot approve of you living together. I had to say it. Let’s enjoy dinner now.’ That’s it.
My parents never questioned or judged my living choices. Jewish.

The girl, my girl, their friends, are all secular humanists.
Am I naive in thinking the dad is an exception in this day and age?
Is this common?!